Matthew Pennington has bid farewell to Leeds United and wished the Whites all the best for the future.

Leeds snapped Pennington up on a season-long loan deal from Everton last summer and the Toffees player featured on a regular basis in the heart of defence for the Whites.




The Championship club had been keen on exploring keeping Pennington, who was out of contract at Everton this summer.

But on Friday Pennington signed a new contract with Everton and quickly indicated he will not be returning to Leeds on a fresh loan deal by bidding farewell to the club.
 


"I want to say a massive thank you to everyone at Leeds United", he said on social media when posting a photograph of himself in action for the Whites.  

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"I've really enjoyed my season loan and wish you all the success for the future!"

With the departure of Pennington, Leeds will have to bring in at least one more centre-back over the summer transfer window.

The Whites have already been in touch with Swansea City as they explore a deal for Kyle Bartley, who spent the 2016/17 campaign on loan at Elland Road.