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Swansea expect to keep Bartley

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Leeds have been dealt a massive blow in the pursuit of Swansea defender Kyle Bartley after manager Paul Clement revealed he will remain at the Liberty Stadium next season.

The Swans boss Clement has explained that he has held talks with the 25-year-old on the telephone and admitted he has been impressed by the centre-back during his season-long loan spell at Elland Road.

The Yorkshire Evening Post claim that Leeds manager Garry Monk will prioritise the signing of the centre-back in the summer if he remains in the dugout.

He has been a colossal figure for the Whites this campaign and captained the side during this loan deal.

However, Swansea manager Clement has explained that he fully expects to have Bartley at his disposal for next season.

“He’s had a good season, we’ve spoken on the telephone and said well done,” Clement said, as quoted by Wales Online. “It’s unusual loan players captaining the side, he’s done well, but from our point of view I’m looking forward him coming back and working with him.

“As far as I’m concerned he’s a Swansea player and he’s staying. He’s coming back here.”

Bartley has made a huge impact at the Yorkshire club this season and played a major role in their seventh-placed finish in the Championship.

Most of the Leeds fans would love to see him return next year in a permanent move and restored his partnership at centre-back alongside teammate Pontus Jansson, with the duo making up a formidable pairing.

The defender made a total of 50 appearances during his season with Leeds and was an ever-present in the starting line-up.

He proved to be a crucial part of the club’s backline and also chipped in with six goals to show his attacking prowess from set-pieces.

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