Saints Marching
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Southampton: Five centre-backs the Saints could replace VVD with

By Chris Hughes

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates victory after the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 5, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates victory after the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 5, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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BARNSLEY, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Pontus Jansson of Leeds United looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Barnsley and Leeds United at Oakwell Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Barnsley, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
BARNSLEY, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Pontus Jansson of Leeds United looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Barnsley and Leeds United at Oakwell Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Barnsley, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /

Pontus Jansson

Linked with the Saints a lot over the summer and briefly this month, Jansson, 26, has continued to be a mainstay in Leeds’ defence. They currently sit tenth in the Championship, just three points off the playoff spots.

Whilst replacing a £75 million man with someone in the second tier of English football seems like an unusual move, there’s no denial that Jansson is one of the best centre-halves in the league and could make the step up.

The Swede has played 25 times in the Championship this season, as part of a defence which as let in 33 goals in 28 games.

One draw-back however is that Jansson isn’t known for passing ability – however he makes for this with an all-rounded combination of strength and a decent amount of pace.