DEFENDER BARTLEY ARRIVES ON LOAN

DEFENDER BARTLEY ARRIVES ON LOAN

United sign Swansea City centre-back for the season...

We are delighted to announce the signing of Swansea City defender Kyle Bartley on a season-long loan.

Bartley, a former England Under-17s international, becomes our second new addition of the summer following the arrival of Swedish striker Marcus Antonsson earlier this week.

The 25-year-old centre-back, who won the FA Youth Cup during his time with Arsenal’s Academy, played alongside and worked under new United boss Garry Monk at the Liberty Stadium.

Bartley began his career in the youth system at Bolton Wanderers before making the switch to Arsenal and helping the Gunners to the Premier Academy League title in 2009 - the same year he made his senior debut in a Champions League tie away to Olympiacos.

Loan spells with Sheffield United and Scottish giants Rangers followed, before the Stockport-born defender joined Swansea in summer 2012.

He spent the first half of the 2013/14 campaign on loan in the Championship with Birmingham City and, after impressing upon his return to South Wales, was handed a new three-year deal with the Premier League side.

Bartley made eight appearances in all competitions for the Swans last season but will now link up with the United squad as they prepare to head to Ireland for their first pre-season friendly fixtures of the summer.

“It feels fantastic to be here,” Bartley told leedsunited.com. “I found out about a week ago that Leeds were interested and, straightaway, it was something that I was really looking forward to.

“I’m just happy to be here now and have everything signed.

“There were a few other teams interested but as soon as I spoke to the gaffer, I told my agent that this was the only club for me.

“With the history of the club and how big the club is, it was a no-brainer for me.

“I want to come here and play week-in, week-out in what we hope will be a really successful season for the club.”

United boss Garry Monk added: “I’m delighted to get Kyle in. Kyle has worked underneath me for the last two years and I know him very well - I know what he’s capable of.

“I think defence is an area where we need to add strength to the quality that we already have. Kyle has worked with me and he knows how I work, so that helps.

“I think he’s at a stage of his career where he wants to prove himself and try and fight for a place.

“He’s big, he’s strong and he’s a very good defender. He’s a good leader, he talks very well, he’s a good organiser and a good communicator.

“All of those things will help the squad.”

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