I used to manage Newcastle United - I've always thought the Premier League needs Leeds United

Alan Pardew is rooting for Leeds United to secure promotion this season, claiming: "The Premier League needs them."

Sunderland and Sheffield United gave the Whites an opportunity to go top after they both drew over the weekend. On Sunday afternoon, Daniel Farke's side scored an added time winner to snatch a 4-3 away victory at Swansea City.

Since returning from the October international break, Leeds have won five of their last seven games. They welcome Luton Town to Elland Road on Wednesday evening before travelling to Blackburn Rovers next weekend.

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Farke's side almost secured promotion back to the Premier League last season before losing 1-0 to Southampton in the Championship play-off final. Leeds went into this campaign as odds on favourites to win the title with the bookmakers and are currently living up to that billing.

After Leeds secured the vital result at the Swansea.com on Sunday, Pardew gave his thoughts on 'The Final Word' on talkSPORT. The former Newcastle United and West Ham United boss said: “What a result for Leeds because they’ve always been in and around it, but now they’re top. With their fanbase and the size that they’ve got, you’d like to think that this could be the year.

"I certainly hope so because the Premier League needs Leeds United. I’ve always thought that.”

The Whites will be without Junior Firpo against the Hatters as the left-back serves the final game of his three-match suspension.