Former Leeds United forward Noel Whelan has suggested that the club should look to sign either Gary Cahill or Tyrone Mings this summer, as replacements for the departing Pontus Jansson.

The latter was a regular for Marcelo Bielsa's side last season, forming a solid defensive partnership with Liam Cooper as Leeds narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League.

But after weeks of speculation and uncertainty, Jansson now looks set to leave Elland Road, with Brentford set to sign the towering defender for a reported fee of £5.5million.

It is claimed that Jansson's attitude problems have ultimately put an end to his three-year stay with the Yorkshire club, and they will look to cut their losses before the situation worsens.

Speaking on his personal Twitter account, though, Whelan has identified two replacements that Leeds should look to go in for - those players being Tyrone Mings and Gary Cahill.

Mings played an influential part in Aston Villa's promotion to the Premier League last season, but Dean Smith's side are yet to agree a permanent deal with AFC Bournemouth for the defender.

Experienced defender Gary Cahill, meanwhile, is currently a free-agent after being let go by Chelsea at the end of last season, but Villa have since been linked with a reunion with the former England international.

Leeds have taken Brighton and Hove Albion defender Ben White on loan for the season, but it remains to be seen whether Bielsa looks to bring in an experienced option as they look to ignite a promotion push next term.

The Verdict

I think it would show a real statement of intent if Leeds were to bring in either Cahill or Mings this summer, and they are two players that would definitely replace Jansson with ease.

Mings established himself as one of the best defenders in the Championship last season, and made such an impact on what was originally a terrible Aston Villa back-line.

Cahill might be getting on a bit at the age of 33, but the experience and quality that he brings would be beneficial for the Whites, and on a free transfer, it would be a real coup.

Jansson would leave big shoes to fill, though, and £5.5million for a player of his quality has certainly raised eyebrows.