‘Physical’ Bartley earned a new deal

SWANSEA City boss Paul Clement has highlighted Kyle Bartley’s physical dominance as one of the reasons why the centre-half has been handed a new four-year contract at the Liberty Stadium.

Having been on loan with Leeds last season it had been expected Bartley would find himself heading through the exit door this summer.

But the 26-year-old had an outstanding season at Elland Road, skippering the Yorkshire club and making 45 appearances as they game within sight of a place in the Championship play-offs.

His form was such that Clement admitted at the end of the season that he was prepared to give Bartley every chance to prove himself during pre-season as he rejoined the first-team squad.

Bartley has featured heavily in the six pre-season fixtures, and appears to be the primary backup option to Alfie Mawson and Federico Fernandez at the centre of the Swans rearguard.

Leeds had maintained an interest in securing the former Arsenal player on a permanent deal, while Burnley were also reported to be interested,

But such talk was abruptly ended when Bartley was handed a new Swans contract through to 2021, with the deal being confirmed on Wednesday.

While Bartley has enjoyed impressive one-off outings in Swansea colours , he has struggled to show the consistency to nail down a regular starting role.

In fact, he has made just 26 firstteam appearances for the Swans in the five seasons since his arrival in 2012, although he has also had a loan spell with Birmingham – in addition to his time at Leeds –during that period.

But Clement believes Bartley provides him with a different option in his defensive armoury, and praised his leadership and physicality when asked about the new deal.

“I like Kyle, he has good leadership qualities,” said Clement.

“He has come back with confidence after having a really good season on loan at Leeds.

“He brings another dynamic to the central defenders we have here. In many ways he is a typical British defender.

“He is dominant in both penalty areas, he is a strong man.

“He is English and has good communications with the group. He has character and personality and we are very pleased he has signed a new deal here.”