By Pranav Shahaney

25th Jul, 2022 | 10:10pm

Leeds United mooted to offer one-year deal to former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster

Leeds United are reportedly considering offering a one-year deal to former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster.

According to TEAMtalk, the English keeper, who now is a free agent, is being considered by the Leeds hierarchy to serve as a backup to Illan Meslier for the upcoming Premier League campaign.

The 39-year-old, who’s got eight England caps to his name, has been a journeyman in English football, making a number of senior appearances for Man United, Watford, West Brom and Birmingham City.

One last hurrah

Foster surely has not got too much left in his legs and is unlikely to demand a first-choice role in any Premier League side.

However, having him in the team is less to do with the kind of player he is and more to do with the personality he will bring to the dressing room.

Meslier is one of the most confident keepers in the league in terms of building out from the back so that’s not where Foster will be beneficial to him.

However, he could help him with his shot-stopping, command of the area, decision making in terms of whether to claim or punch crosses and also his all round fitness and nutrition as they’re all important aspects of the game.

Managers are also relaxed when they have veterans coming in to replace the younger players rather than it being the other way around.

Foster’s arrival could see Kristoffer Klaesson gain some valuable first-team experience out on loan and he certainly will come back a better player next summer.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites have submitted a fresh bid to sign their first-choice target this summer as a Champions League club has pulled out of the deal.