Leeds United: Monk unruffled by Southampton '˜interest' in Jansson

Jansson has proved a revelation since initially arriving on a season-long loan from Torino last summer and Leeds have already agreed a deal with the Serie A club which will see the Swede become a permanent Whites player at the end of the current campaign.

Both Leeds and Torino are confident that the deal is watertight with Jansson agreeing terms on a three-year contract at the beginning of February.

But Jansson’s continually impressive displays have reportedly attracted the interest of EFL Cup runners-up Southampton who are seeking a replacement for former captain Jose Fonte who joined West Ham in January.

The Saints reportedly sent a scout to Elland Road on Saturday with a view to tabling a rumoured £8m bid in the summer but Monk treated the speculation with disdain at his Thursday afternoon press conference, insisting he was only prepared to talk about facts.

“I don’t comment on speculation and rumours,” said Monk.

“Pontus is a Leeds United player, he is very committed to us and in terms of the deal, I don’t have to go into those details.

“He will be a Leeds United player, as said, and he is fully focused on what he is doing here, along with all of us and ready for the games coming.”

Asked if he was sure the deal with Torino was watertight, Monk replied: “I don’t need to comment on rumours and speculation - there’s no point.

“Let’s comment on facts, which is Pontus is a Leeds United player, he’s here, he’s ready to fight, he’s ready to be a Leeds United player for the future so that’s all that matters.”