Phil Hay: Leeds United wary of Illan Meslier attracting interest
Leeds United are not oblivious to the prospect of goalkeeper Illan Meslier catching the eyes of top teams, according to The Athletic journalist Phil Hay.
On Saturday, the Whites announced the signing of 20-year-old Norwegian goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson, who’s arrived from Valerenga for £1million.
Hay reports that Leeds see major potential in Klaesson and and aware that Meslier, 21, could “catch the eyes of wealthy clubs further down the line”.
It is understood that Paris Saint-Germain were genuinely interested in the French shot-stopper before they landed Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Planning for the future
Leeds needed Klaesson, for the present and for the future.
Kiko Casilla’s loan exit to Elche made an opening for a new number two at Elland Road.
Klaesson doesn’t have anywhere near the experience the former Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper has but he does have potential.
He’s only 20 but has been called up to the Norway squad and played over 50 times for the Valerenga first-team, so he’s not a complete greenhorn as he heads to West Yorkshire.
Klaesson is more than good enough to serve as our number two but landing him may suggest how things will go in the future in regards to Meslier.
If the Frenchman continues to impress as he has done then he’s bound to become a target for top clubs in England or across Europe.
If PSG have already set their sights on him then that tells you the kind of clubs who’ll be eyeing up the Leeds number one.
We don’t want him to leave but there may come a day where it’s unavoidable.
At least we’ll know that Klaesson is there to shine once that day does come.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are ready to pay over £20million for this central midfielder.