Swedish striker Marcus Antonsson set for medical ahead of Leeds United move
Leeds United are on the brink of completing their first signing of the summer in the form of Swedish striker Marcus Antonsson, who will undergo a medical on Monday (20 June) ahead of a move to Elland Road from Kalmar. Personal terms have been agreed between the 25-year-old and the Championship club meaning his move to English football is close to being ratified.
Antonsson has never been capped at senior level by his country, but his impressive domestic form could yet see him recognised at international level. He has scored 10 goals in 12 league appearances this term and is the leading scorer in Allsvenskan – the Swedish top flight professional league which is currently on a md-season break.
The Yorkshire Evening Post understand Leeds have had an offer for £1m accepted for Antonsson. During his spell at Halmstads he worked under Spaniard Pep Clotet, who last week was confirmed as the assistant to new manager Garry Monk. Kalmar president Mattias Rosenlund says completion of the deal is imminent.
"We are in agreement with a club," he said, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post. "He will undergo a medical on Monday to check that nothing interferes with the process. That is what we are waiting for. We are satisfied with the agreement, that much I can say about it. It will be good for all parties. We've agreed and Antonsson has agreed with the club. Formally, it is not completed yet."
Monk has wasted little time in ringing the changes at Leeds ahead of efforts to take the club back to the Premier League for the first time since 2004. Steve Evans was dismissed despite keeping the club in the Championship but Monk's pedigree from his spell with Swansea City in the Premier League means there is renewed optimism around the West Yorkshire outfit.
The 37-year-old has already met with members of the Leeds squad and defender Liam Cooper cannot wait to learn from Monk. "I was buzzing, personally, when I found out," he told the Leeds official website. "He (Monk) was a centre-half and he likes to play football, so I think I'm going to learn a lot from the manager.
"I can't wait to get going and start building relationships with the staff. His experience speaks volumes. He's a great guy for the job and I'm absolutely over the moon. He told me he's buzzing to get going with the young players. He wants to forward our careers, like we all do – we all want to play in the Premier League.
"Hopefully we can do that - we're going to have a right good go at it. I just can't wait to get going. I'm buzzing with the appointment and looking forward to it all starting. From speaking to a few of the boys, they can't wait to get started as well."
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