Blow to Leeds’s hopes over Bartley

Leeds United’s hopes of retaining Kyle Bartley next season look to have receded after Swansea manager Paul Clement said he was keen to work with the defender at the Liberty Stadium next season.

Bartley appeared 50 times for Leeds this season and captained the Championship side when first-choice captain Liam Bridcutt was absent.

But Clement said yesterday that the Manchester-born central defender would report to Swansea for pre-season training in early July with a view to playing for the South Wales club during 2017-18.

“He’s had a good season,” said Clement. “I’ve spoken to Kyle on the telephone and said ‘well done this year’.

“It’s quite unusual for a loan player to captain the side, but from our point of view he’s a Swansea player.

“I’m looking forward to him coming back and working with him at Swansea next season.”

Leeds head coach Garry Monk, who also worked with Bartley at Swansea, has expressed his hope of signing the 25-year-old if he extends his own Elland Road stay.

“Kyle’s been tremendous this season,” said Monk. “Obviously I’ve got experience with Kyle and I know him very well.

“But he’d be the first to tell you that this has been by far his best season and by far his best progression as a footballer – the best football he’s ever played.”

After a 1-1 final-day draw at relegated Wigan, Bartley admitted he “loved every single second” of his time at Leeds.

“I’ve fallen in love with the players, the staff, the fans, the club,” said Bartley. It’s been brilliant. That’s as far as I can say.”

Arsenal product Bartley joined Swansea in August 2012, but he has made only 12 league starts and also had a loan spell at Birmingham.