Leeds United: Dropped Leeds target Ekstrand signs for Bristol City

Ekstrand finalised a one-year deal with City on Tuesday night, moving to Ashton Gate as a free agent following the closure of FIFA’s transfer window.

The Sweden internatonal came close to joining Leeds in July, agreeing terms with United as the Elland Road club hunted for a new centre-back, but worries about his fitness were underlined by the results of his medical and Leeds promptly withdrew their offer.

Ekstrand suffered a serious knee injury during his time at Watford and was released from Vicarage Road at the end of last season.

Leeds, who brought in Kyle Bartley on loan from Swansea City before agreeing terms with Ekstrand, subsequently moved for Pontus Jansson, a fellow Sweden international who signed on a termporary basis from Torino last month.

Jansson became the fourth centre-back on United’s books when he arrived from Italy but Leeds trimmed their options last week by agreeing to terminate Sol Bamba’s contract by mutual consent.