Bartley kills talk of Leeds United move by joining West Brom

Kyle Bartley has ended talk of him returning to Leeds United by joining West Bromwich Albion on a three-year deal.
Kyle Bartley during his loan at Leeds United.Kyle Bartley during his loan at Leeds United.
Kyle Bartley during his loan at Leeds United.

Bartley was unveiled as a West Brom player this morning after the newly-relegated Championship club agreed a fee of £4m with Swansea City.

The centre-back was high on Leeds’ list of transfer targets at the beginning of the summer but the club ceased their pursuit of him last month, around the time of Marcelo Bielsa’s appointment as head coach, and made no attempt to compete with West Brom’s offer.

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Bartley won much acclaim during his season-long loan at Elland Road in the 2016-17 campaign and came back onto United’s radar after the club suffered from constant defensive issues last term.

Initial contact with Swansea and Bartley came to nothing, however, and the 26-year-old will line up against United in the Championship next season.

Speaking after sealing his move to The Hawthorns, Bartley said: “After speaking with Darren (Moore, West Brom’s head coach) I knew this was the place I wanted to be be.

"I’ve got good experience of the Championship. I know what it takes and how long the season is. I like to think I’m a leader, a committed player who will always give 100 per cent. I play with my heart on my sleeve.

“I found out (about West Brom’s interest) over a week ago and I’ve been eager to get here and get it finalised."