Earlier today, the72 reported that West Bromwich Albion were closing in on the signing of Swansea City defender Kyle Bartley.
The central defender spent a season on loan at Elland Road two years ago and he quickly became a fan favourite at the Yorkshire club, leaving supporters keen to see him sign on a permanent basis.
His game time at Swansea City last season was limited, and Bartley only featured on five occasions at centre-back for the Welsh side, and despite their relegation to the second tier of English football, he is set to move on in a bid for first team football.
And it seems that his destination is recently relegated West Brom. The Baggies have lost both Jonny Evans and Gareth Macauley so far this summer, and with Craig Dawson set to follow, they are in desperate need of some central defenders.
Kyle Bartley’s performances at Leeds United in 2016/17 have shown that he is more than capable at this level, and it would be an excellent signing for Darren Moore’s side.
Sadly for Leeds United fans, that does mean that they are set to miss out on yet another transfer target.
Here is a quick look at how they reacted to the news on Twitter:
This Leeds United fan does not mind that they have missed out on Bartley, and knows that there are other options out there.
https://twitter.com/NeroLUFC/status/1016345083728355328
Missing out on Bartley is “a massive blow” according to this supporter.
I wish the world cup was on so I could forget that we're doing no business whatsoever 😂 I'm remaining positive but missing out on Bartley is a massive blow and far too much time has been wasted on Stockdale and Vydra #lufc
— JT (@lufc_) July 9, 2018
Always look on the bright side of life…
https://twitter.com/LadyOnLUFCHeels/status/1016345431901638656
£3.5 million for Bartley would have been an excellent deal, and this fan is gutted to miss out on it.
Another one bites the dust. Absolute bargain. Pretty gutted about this considering how much Bartley wanted to rejoin Leeds. Trail went ice cold before Bielsa's appointment. #LUFC https://t.co/Ybq14JDPb3
— LUFCDATA (@LUFCDATA) July 9, 2018
Signing Bartley would have been a huge risk according to this Leeds supporter.
Has any one considered Bielsa isn't enthralled by likes of Bartley personally think Bartley is a huge injury risk while we need to see incomings soon at #LUFC no reason to panic
— Leeds Fan in Chicago (@ChicagoWhite) July 9, 2018