Daniel Farke to see Leeds United transfer plans ruined after Meslier exit news
Illan Meslier could ruin Daniel Farke’s January transfer plans at Leeds United.
The 24-year-old has been touted with an exit from Elland Road, with Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennais interested in his services [Jeunesfooteux] alongside Premier League duo Arsenal and Manchester United.
However, TEAMtalk reported on Friday (28 December) that neither Premier League side has made a formal approach for the goalkeeper and are not expected to formalise their interest in January.
The same news outlet reported that Leeds have a “serious interest” in Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher [18 December], but now, with Meslier set to remain put on Elland Road, a move for Kelleher is on the brink of collapse.
Leeds United must sell Illan Meslier for Caoimhin Kelleher
There is still a slim hope for Farke to be able to offload Meslier in January.
Fiorentina have not wavered in their interest in the Frenchman, but with former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea between the sticks, it is unlikely he will be eager to become a second-choice option in the Serie A.
Therefore, Leeds will be forced to stick with the goalkeeper until the end of the season and by then, Kelleher could already be plying his trade at another side.
The 25-year-old has proven his credentials deputising for Alisson this season and is reportedly earning a measly £10,000-a-week on Merseyside [Capology], three times less than Meslier is making in West Yorkshire.
Furthermore, Leeds would move to the front of the pack for the Republic of Ireland number one, with Liverpool eager to avoid a sale to a Premier League rival.
However, there will be no movement on the goalkeeper front at Elland Road until Meslier packs his bags, and with the options dwindling, Angus Kinnear needs to get on the phone with anyone who will listen to secure his exit.
Meslier has not been without his flaws at the Whites but has been a capable performer, but players like Kelleher are not available often, and this is an opportunity that cannot be passed up with an eye on next year’s Premier League return.
In other Leeds news, here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Whites’ clash against Derby County.
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