Pontus Jansson is a wanted man now that the summer transfer window is open, with CalcioMercato reporting the central defender is in the crosshairs of Benfica.
The Italian football news site give no specifics on Benfica’s interest, however, so there is every chance the Liga NOS outfit may opt against launching a bid for the 28-year-old.
But it has been reported elsewhere that Benfica are willing to make a move this summer, unfortunately, as Jansson is attracting interest closer to home, with Premier League trio Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Southampton all thought to be potential suitors.
Any side wishing to take the Sweden international away from Elland Road may have to pay as much as £14.8million, though, as the 20-cap ace allegedly has a release clause in his Whites contract – which Benfica are expected to trigger.
Losing Jansson will be a massive dent to our aspirations of going one better next season, and finally securing our long-awaited return to the top-flight.
You could see just how much it pained him to miss out on a spot in the Play-Off Final, as well, when he came close to tears at full-time at home to Derby County.
Speaking on his disappointment with Swedish publication Aftonbladet, though, it is clear he has no intentions of that being his final moment with United.
“I’ve always said that taking the step up to the Premier League is my dream, and I want to do it with Leeds,” he said.
“It is up to Leeds if there is an interest in negotiating [a move away]. Until then, I am 110 per cent [committed to] Leeds. I’ll be there until the day they don’t want me.”