Pundit thrilled as Leeds United and Ben Foster transfer speculation emerges
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United...
Paul Robinson is delighted to see that Leeds United are considering a move to sign goalkeeper Ben Foster on a free transfer this summer.
Foster, 39, is currently available as a free agent after his contract at Watford expired at the end of June.
MailPlus reported on 29 June that Leeds are taking a look at the former West Brom, Birmingham and Manchester United goalkeeper as they aim to add to their options in between the sticks.
Robinson feels that the added competition and experience of having Foster around would not only be beneficial towards Leeds but it would also bring out the best of current number one Illan Meslier.
“Foster’s more than capable of playing in the Premier League still,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“Meslier is the out-and-out number one but they need a quality number two.
“Leeds got away with it last season because [Kristoffer] Klaesson only had to play one game but he’s not of the standard that gives the manager the opportunity, should Meslier have a dip in form, to change it.
“Foster would give him the ability to do that. It’ll also keep Meslier on his toes and keep him on top of his game knowing that he’s got that pressure behind him of an experienced, top-quality goalkeeper.
“But at the same time, alongside him on the training ground, Foster can be a mentor for him.
“Foster is a character with the experience to pass on Meslier that could do exceptionally well.
“It would only make Meslier better for those two reasons. Leeds need somebody of the ilk of Foster in that position.”
Foster has played 390 times in the Premier League and also represented England on eight occasions.
Meslier was the oldest and most experienced goalkeeper at Leeds last season despite only being 22-years-of-age.
Kiko Casilla was on loan at Elche and while he’s since returned to Elland Road, there’s a chance he’ll be on his way out of the club with his contract now less than a year away from expiring.
In other Leeds United news, a loan-to-buy deal has been mooted by Phil Hay for the Whites to seal the signing of an international star.