According to reports in The Sun, Leeds United are behind Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Stoke City in the race to sign Swansea City defender Kyle Bartley this summer, while Championship rivals Middlesbrough are also interested.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the 26-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract and with no new deal being signed, the Swans could choose to sell the centre-back for a cut-price fee before the start of the new season instead of risking losing him for nothing next year, according to The Sun.

That news has alerted the likes of Palace and the Potters, who are both looking to strengthen their backlines ahead of the new top flight campaign, while Leeds are also interested having signed Bartley on a season-long loan deal last summer.

The reports adds that former Whites boss and current Boro manager Garry Monk is also keen on the former Arsenal man having brought him to Elland Road.

How did he do during his time at Leeds?

Britain Football Soccer - Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers - EFL Cup Third Round - Elland Road - 20/9/16
Blackburn Rovers's Martin Samuelson in action with Leeds United's Kyle Bartley
Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Peter Cziborra
Livepic
EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please c

He was brilliant and it is no surprise that the Yorkshire outfit would be keen to re-sign him.

The 26-year-old built up a strong partnership with Pontus Jansson at the heart of the defence and their relationship was one of the main reasons that Leeds found themselves in and around the Championship play-off positions for the majority of the campaign.

Only Newcastle United, Brighton and Hove Albion and Sheffield Wednesday conceded fewer goals than the Whites, and Bartley was even handed the captain’s armband in the absence of Liam Bridcutt to show his influence and leadership skills.

Do Leeds have to give up hope yet?

Not quite yet, no.

While the likes of Crystal Palace and Stoke are interested in the 26-year-old, it remains to be seen whether they would be willing to offer the 26-year-old the first team football he craves.

If they can however then a return to Leeds looks unlikely, while Middlesbrough and Monk could still hold the advantage even if he chooses to drop down to the Championship on a permanent basis.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, while Leeds would love to sign Bartley on a permanent basis and once again partner him with Jansson at the heart of the defence, a deal is looking increasingly unlikely and they may have to turn their attentions elsewhere.

WATCH THE LATEST 442OONS VIDEO BELOW...