OPINION
Thomas Christiansen could be forced to look elsewhere for centre-back recruits as Middlesbrough have reportedly joined Leeds in the chase for Kyle Bartley.
Bartley, 25, has returned to Premier League outfit Swansea after completing his season-long loan at Elland Road which saw him shine at the back alongside Sweden international Pontus Jansson.
The Yorkshire Evening Post claim the Whites are still interested in Bartley this summer, but Garry Monk’s arrival at the Riverside has seen recently-relegated Middlesbrough also credited with an interest.
It is believed that Bartley’s future will be determined by Swansea when the former Arsenal youth player returns to pre-season training at the Liberty Stadium next month, but Leeds could now miss out on Bartley due to Boro’s interest.
This Is Futbol explains how three class acts could replace Bartley at the back and do a superb job if they do indeed miss out on the commanding stopper this summer.
Here are those three players, including a former England international who is unsure over his future: