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Fabrizio Romano: Clubs watch Illan Meslier as Leeds United stay quiet after transfer news
Leeds United want to keep things quiet and not open any negotiations at this moment after reports linking star goalkeeper Illan Meslier with a move to Chelsea, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Times reported on 14 March that the French goalkeeper was on Chelsea’s list of summer targets with the Blues looking to evaluate their goalkeeping options amid a contract stalemate with Edouard Mendy.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for some time, but Romano believes the Whites are keeping their lips sealed regarding any potential negotiations at this stage.
Speaking in his exclusive Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside [20 March], he said: “Links with someone like Illan Meslier and a top club like Chelsea are normal, he’s a very talented goalkeeper and many clubs have sent their scouts to follow him.
“But at the moment, Leeds want to keep things quiet and not to open any negotiation now. Chelsea are yet to make a decision on the goalkeepers’ situation.”
Hold-off any talks
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The Whites are absolutely in their right to keep things sealed and hold off any negotiations for one of their star players with the club facing crucial weeks ahead in their quest to secure another campaign in the Premier League.
Both the club and the player cannot afford to be drawn on such links right now as any sort of distraction could well derail their chances of survival, especially with the goalkeeping position being arguably the most testing and prone to scrutiny than any other.
Meslier is still 23 and developing which means he may be prone to such distractions regarding his future. It is imperative Javi Gracia and the player’s representatives steer him away from such rumours and help him fix his mind on the task at hand.
The Frenchman is certainly one of the best young goalkeepers around and will be subject to a big move in the near future, that much is clear and certain and when it comes to the time to sell, the Whites must be stern in setting a hefty price tag to part with him, as his contract still has three years to run.
In other Leeds United news, long-planned contract negotiations have “not progressed” leaving Elland Road exit door open.
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