Former Leeds striker and club expert Noel Whelan has told Football Insider that United should be looking to cash in on Pontus Jansson amid interest from likely promotion rivals Fulham, as the 28-year-old puts himself before the club.
Jansson was a regular member of Marcelo Bielsa’s Whites line-up during the boss’ inaugural season at Elland Road, with the 6 ft 3 centre-back listed in the starting XI for 37 of our Championship fixtures during the 2018/19 term.
Fulham are now thought to be looking into a potential swoop on West Yorkshire for the Sweden international, as they look to sure up a backline that conceded more goals than any other Premier League side as they crashed out of the top-flight at the first time of asking.
No official approach or bid from the Craven Cottage outfit has yet been muted, with Scott Parker currently looking into potential candidates his South West London side could target, having already been linked with another United ace in Adam Forshaw.
If Jansson is unable to demonstrate that he is fully committed to the Whites cause in pre-season training, Whelan feels the club should accept an approach from the Cottagers if one is made. They may face heavy competition for the 20-cap star’s services, though, as the BBC Radio Leeds commentator believes there is a £10million asking price on the towering defender.
“It all depends on whether Jansson comes back to pre-season positive, in good nick, and happy about another season in the Championship,” Whelan said. “He needs to come back with a leader kind of attitude.
“I don’t know what he and his agent have been saying to each other. If he wants to stay, and is hungry to perform, [then] great. If not, get rid, let him go, and we will pick up players who want to play for Leeds United.
“He has to be fully committed to it [promotion]. If his head isn’t right, there’s no point [in keeping him].
“I think they value him at £10million, and there will probably be a few interested clubs at that price.
“Some people were angry when I criticised Jansson at the end of last season, but I’ve seen him be selfish, and put himself ahead of the team.”