The Yorkshire Evening Post reports that Leeds United have finally ended their interest in signing ex-Watford centre back Joel Ekstrand. The Championship club have too many concerns over the Swede’s fitness and hasn’t played since March 2015.
A serious knee injury whilst playing for Watford meant that the 27-year-old was ruled out for some time. The players’ agent recently said he was still in talks with Massimo Cellino over agreeing a deal. However that now appears dead in the water.
Ekstrand suffered a anterior cruciate ligament and cartilage in his left knee, whilst also fracturing a bone against Ipswich Town over a year ago. He has found it extremely difficult to get back on the road to fitness since that time.
Garry Monk is keen on signing up a new centre back to complement Swansea City loanee Kyle Bartley at Elland Road. They feel Ekstrand is too much of a risk, especially considering the competitive and frequent nature that the Championship is played.
Prior to his spell at Vicarage Road, Ekstrand played for Udinese in the Italian Serie A. He went on to play over 70 matches for the Hornets. His successful loan spell was made permanent in July 2013. He played a part in their promotion winning season out of the Championship in the season of his injury. He attempted to make a comeback earlier this year in the Watford Development Squad.
