Heaven and Hel-ander as Leeds line up dream partnership

Leeds United look set to complete their pursuit of Filip Helander as Bologna give the green light for the player to discuss terms.

The talented centre back has been on the clubs radar since the start of summer, staging a dream partnership with fellow compatriot Pontus Jansson.

The Swedish pair look set to reunite after spending their youth career together at Swedish top flight club Malmo in which they created a very formidable partnership, only conceding an average of less than 1 goal per game.

The giant Swede stands at an impressive 6'3 and will be a towering force with Jansson who stands at an even taller 6'4.

Could a Jansson/Helander partnership trump that of last seasons heroic duo?

Helander is said to have a €5million release clause in his Bologna contract having only signed permanently for the club in January after a successful loan spell. Leeds are willing to pay the large fee for the twice capped Swedish defender having already showing an impressive transfer acumen and bank balance.

Leeds just missed out on the playoffs last season and with new owner Andrea Radrizzani at the helm this summer have spent over £12million on signings this summer, with several high profile foreign players joining the club. Helander would join the list of players who have little to none experience in the Championship.

However, in Italy you are afforded more time on the ball than most leagues, something that does not happen in the Championship. This can only be a plus if Helander is anything like his former teammate Jansson, who relishes in getting stuck in.

Should Leeds confirm the signing of this formidable centre half, the club will be making a large statement about their intentions this season, with the hopes that a top six finish is a possibility this season.

Is Helander a magnificent capture for the club? Do you think this will elevate Pontus' game? Have your say in the comments below!

By Ryan Ingham