Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson has hinted that he is ready to consider his future at the club, in an interview he has conducted with Swedish media outlet Expressen during the international break.

The 27-year-old joined the Yorkshire outfit on a permanent basis following a successful season-long loan spell in which the club narrowly missed out on the Championship play-off positions, and they would have been aiming for a top-six finish this term.

That scenario looked to be on the cards as they found themselves at the top of the table in September, but they have gradually slid down the standings since then, and now lie in 14th position under manager Paul Heckingbottom, who replaced Thomas Christiansen last month.

The centre-back has been one of their more consistent and impressive performers though, and speaking to Expressen, he cast some doubt on whether he still be at Elland Road next season by saying: "We'll see what's happening, I want to hear from the club on their plans for next year and so on.”

Meanwhile, West Ham United will be looking to boost their chances of retaining their Premier League status for at least another season with a win against Southampton at the London Stadium on March 31, with the Irons lying just one place and two points above their opponents in the relegation zone ahead of the clash in east London next weekend.

Manager David Moyes will already be thinking about where he would like to strengthen his squad this summer should they stay up however, and Jansson should certainly be on his radar.

Here are three reasons the Hammers must sign the Sweden international from Leeds…

With Jose Fonte leaving for the Chinese Super League last month and with Winston Reid and James Collins currently injured – with the Welshman set to miss the vital game against Southampton – West Ham have been left short in the centre-back position and it is an area that Moyes needs to strengthen this summer.

Reid's injury issues and the fact that Collins turns 35 years of age in August and is yet to be offered the chance to extend his current deal that expires at the end of the season means that the Irons need to find extra competition for the likes of Angelo Ogbonna and Declan Rice next term.

Bringing in Pontus Jansson from Leeds would certainly help to fix the issue.

A Sweden international, Jansson has shown his qualities ever since he joined Leeds on loan in the summer of 2016.

The 27-year-old isn't afraid of a battle and is willing to put his body on the line for his team, with WhoScored.com listing his main strengths as his tackling, concentration and ability to make blocks.

The centre-back, who is also very vocal and has often shown the leadership skills that he has, is also pretty good in possession too, and he looks to have more than enough about him to make the step up to the Premier League.

Because of the passion he shows on the pitch and his never-say-die attitude, Jansson is a huge fans' favourite at Elland Road and there is no reason why it wouldn't be the same case at the London Stadium, too.

The 27-year-old is a big character and we have already seen how another – Marko Arnautovic – has thrived after forming a strong bond with Irons supporters, and the Swedish centre-back would be another leader on the pitch that can help West Ham progress in the future.

Do you agree, Irons fans? Let us know below.