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Leeds United: Illan Meslier on Chelsea shortlist with Brighton and Brentford counterparts amid contract stalemate
Leeds United star Illan Meslier is on Chelsea’s summer shortlist alongside Brighton’s Robert Sanchez and David Raya of Brentford, The Times reports.
The Blues due to evaluate their goalkeeping options in the summer amid a contract stalemate with Edouard Mendy.
The was named the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper for 2021 after winning the Champions League but has fallen out of favour under Graham Potter and talks have “not come near to completion” over a contract extension as the club have prioritised other players, and could move on in the summer before he dips inside the final two years of his deal.
The Whites 23-year-old Meslier has been linked to Chelsea for some time, and is sure to leave if the club fail to escape relegation.
And he made an eye-catching early save to deny Kai Havertz in the 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on 4 March, in front of the watching Todd Boehly.
The American has spearheaded an unprecedented spending spree of over £600million in less than a year in charge.
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Meslier’s status at Elland Road is undisputed but his combination of youth and experience continue to make him an attraction to top clubs in the Premier League.
With Manchester United and Tottenham both expected to be in the market for a keeper this summer there is likely to be decent money spent at the position in England.
Jordan Pickford could also enter into the equation if Everton are relegated, despite signing a contract extension last month.
While Raya will only have a year left on his deal with Brentford, and is not planning on extending, the Bees will ask for £40million for him, although Boehly has proven that he isn’t put off by any price-tag after breaking the British record for £106.8million Enzo Fernandez in January.
And he has already developed a habit of heavily focusing on Brighton, having spent £62million on Marc Cucurella before appointing Potter and taking a large part of the backroom operation at the same time, so Whites fans might hope he hones in on Sanchez as a result.
Meslier won’t be cheap as long as the Whites stay up, so the Seagulls man could be the most affordable option having lost his place to Jason Steele recently, who was in goal for the 2-2 at Elland Road on Saturday (11 March).
In other Leeds United news, long-planned contract negotiations have “not progressed” leaving Elland Road exit door open.
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