What do Leeds United need to look at next?
Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson has clinched his permanent move to the club, according to Swedish newspaper Expressen, pending official announcement.
By no means should their activity end there, for there is a lot for co-owners Andrea Radrizzani and Massimo Cellino to accomplish.
Here are five priorities they need to now move on…
Tie down defensive partner Kyle Bartley
Kyle Bartley of Leeds United in action with Rajiv van La Parra of Huddersfield Town
Leeds United’s success has been built around their defensive partnership between Kyle Bartley and Pontus Jansson.
With Jansson in, that leaves Leeds to focus on Bartley, although a deal could be more complex.
Swansea City may want to see which division they are playing in next season before approving a transfer, but if Bartley and his representatives can state their case that they want out and try to make returning to Wales a non-option.
Extend Garry Monk’s contract
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
Leeds can look at this once the transfer window is over, but it is absolutely essential they get Garry Monk, and key staff Pep Clotet and James Beattie signed to extended deals.
Monk’s contract expires in the summer and Leeds owe it to him to show the faith, considering the outstanding season he has led the club to.
If a huge club came in for him, Leeds would also be risking him walking away with no compensation, and it is not good business sense to do so.
Monk appears ready to commit to the Whites, so it is time they made it official and put a long term agreement together.
Sign a striker
Leeds United’s Marcus Antonsson and Fulham’s Michael Madl in action
Arguably this should be the biggest priority of the lot given the short time frame available.
Chris Wood has exceeded expectations by scoring 20 goals by the end of January, but back-up Marcus Antonsson has not netted a league goal since September.
The Swede is an unknown quantity still at this level and it would be shrewd for Monk to bring in another option, who could make the different in the play-offs.
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