Leeds United: Cult hero Pontus Jansson all set to sign Leeds United deal

Pontus Jansson's agent last night confirmed that the defender has finalised the terms of a contract with Leeds United '“ but will not complete a permanent transfer from Torino until after his 22nd appearance for the club.
Pontus JanssonPontus Jansson
Pontus Jansson

Martin Dahlin, who represents Jansson, revealed to Swedish media that United’s option to sign Jansson on a full-time basis was due to kick in after 22 games, not 20 matches as first thought.

Centre-back Jansson was quoted after signing on loan for Leeds in August as saying that 20 appearances for the Elland Road club would activate a clause allowing Leeds to take him permanently.

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The Sweden international passed the 20-game mark during Monday’s 3-0 win over Rotherham United, apparently clearing the way for Leeds to wrap up a deal with Torino, but Dahlin told Fotbollskanalen: “There are 22 games (to play). Then Pontus will be a Leeds player.”

Leeds have not commented on Jansson’s contractual situation but the YEP understands that the figure of 22 games to activate the option of a permanent deal is not in dispute.

Torino are demanding a fee of around £3.5m, a figure agreed by United owner Massimo Cellino when Jansson first left Italy on a season-long loan, but Jansson’s form in England has encouraged Leeds to meet his valuation.

Dahlin confirmed to the YEP that the terms of a contract at Elland Road, expected to run to the summer of 2020, have already been agreed.

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Leeds pushed for an appearance-related option as a test of Jansson’s fitness after knee problems affected earlier stages of his career.

Jansson will reach the 22-game threshold a week on Friday if he features in Leeds’ FA Cup tie at Cambridge United and their next league game at home to Derby County.

He is close to a two-match ban, however, after picking up his ninth yellow card of the season against Rotherham. A 10th booking would incur a mandatory suspension under Football Association rules.

Former United and England striker Alan Smith has taken over as caretaker boss of League 2 strugglers Notts County, following the sacking of another ex-Whites favourite, John Sheridan, on Monday. He was dismissed following a run of nine straight defeats.