‘In the pipeline’ – Phil Hay offers update on future of Leeds loanee past this season
Leeds United keeper Illan Meslier has stepped up during the absence of Kiko Casilla in the Championship this season.
The Lorient loanee had been rarely used under Marcelo Bielsa but has been thrown into the deep end – managing to keep three clean sheets in his seven league appearances.
The Whites have the option to turn his switch into a permanent one in the summer for only £5million, and Bielsa seems eager to do just that.
After the 3-1 win at Blackburn on Saturday, fans were left questioning whether there were any updates on the future of Meslier.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay claimed that it was in the pipeline at Elland Road in a Q&A after the match in Lancashire.
“It’s in the pipeline,” he said. “They want to keep him and they’ve got the option to keep him.”
Leeds want to keep him, and for such a cheap price – it appears that Meslier has more than proved himself after the enforced lockdown.
Should Meslier sign in the summer, and it looks increasingly likely – his status in the squad will depend on the future of Casilla.
The Spaniard has two games left on his ongoing racism ban in the Championship, and if Bielsa decides to bring him back in against Barnsley, Derby and Charlton, Meslier could be back to the second option.
A report from the Mirror claimed that Bielsa views Meslier to succeed Casilla, and should he leave, the youngster could be thrown straight into the number one role next season – Premier League or not.
In other Leeds United news, Bielsa has delivered a major fitness update on this Whites duo ahead of the Stoke clash