Leeds United look set to fend off Premier League interest in goalkeeper Illan Meslier as the January transfer window looms.
The 24-year-old shot-stopper has been a constant figure at Elland Road since permanently joining in 2020 from French side Lorient, making his 200th Whites appearance in total in the 2-0 win over Stoke City on Boxing Day.
English Interest Cools
Meslier has been linked with multiple clubs ahead of the January transfer window, including a return to his homeland with Stade Rennais as well as a move to Manchester United amid uncertainty surrounding both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir’s futures under new boss Ruben Amorim.
According to TeamTALK, The Red Devils and Arsenal were both interested in signing the Leeds goalie in this window, but interest seems to have dropped off with both sides yet to make a formal approach to Daniel Farke’s side. It is also believed that Meslier has made his stance known that he would like to stay at the club and win promotion this season.
However, it is not yet certain if the 24-year-old will remain in Yorkshire for the rest of the season, with both Stade Rennais and Serie A side Fiorentina still in the hunt to try and sway the Frenchman. The Italian side had recently signed David De Gea on a free transfer but want a more long-term option than the Spaniard.
Writer’s View
It is a very interesting debate around Illan Meslier’s future at Leeds. He does have a few mistakes in him which can – and sometimes have – cost the club in matches and a promotion to the Premier League may instigate signing a new goalkeeper. However, losing him at short notice would be a major blow and force Leeds into having to scramble and find a replacement which they do not need when in a tight promotion battle like they are in with Sheffield United and Burnley. The best course of action would to be retain the Frenchman for this season and see what interest comes forward before making a decision in the summer.
