Noel Whelan has claimed that defender Ashley Williams could be an ideal signing for Leeds United, as they look to find a replacement for Pontus Jansson.

The 34-year-old is looking for a new club this summer after he was released by Everton last month and spent last season on loan in the Championship with Stoke City, where he scored one goal in 33 league appearances.

Jansson was one of Leeds' most consistent performers in the Championship last season, but left the club to join Brentford this week after a reported fallout with head coach Marcelo Bielsa.

The 28-year-old scored three goals in 39 Championship appearances for Leeds last season, as the Whites just missed out on promotion.

Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa reportedly told the defender to find a new club three weeks ago, as he regards him as a disruptive presence behind the scenes.

Jansson is the third central defender to leave Leeds this summer, with Aapo Halme leaving to join Barnsley and Liam Kitching moving to Forest Green Rovers.

Leeds signed centre-back Ben White on loan from Brighton last week, but are likely to want to sign another defender this summer following Jansson's recent departure from Elland Road.

Williams is looking for a new club this summer following his departure from Everton and former Leeds striker Whelan believes the Wales captain could be an ideal replacement for Jansson.

“Leeds have to go into the market now. We are three centre-backs short and have only brought one in, Ben White,” Whelan told Football Insider.

“Ashley Williams has been released. I think Leeds will be talking to him and seeing if a deal is possible. He is still in the Wales team, he’s a leader, commanding figure, excellent experience, he’s just played a season in the Championship.

“He could be ideal if the wages could be sorted out. It looks like he wants to stay in England. Leeds should be looking very seriously at him. Maybe it’s one they could do.”

The Verdict

Jansson is one of the best defenders in the Championship and it was always going to be difficult for Leeds to find a good replacement for him, but I think Williams could be a decent signing on a free transfer.

He's a good defender, a commanding presence on the pitch and has got plenty of experience.

The defender would also increase competition for starting places within the squad and would be able to provide good cover if injuries play their part, as they did for Leeds throughout last season.

Williams is coming towards the end of his career and he probably wouldn't start for Leeds every week, but he'd certainly be a good player for Bielsa to have in his squad.