Illan Meslier exit: Manchester United approach update at Leeds
Manchester United are yet to approach Leeds United over a possible transfer swoop for Illan Meslier, according to TEAMtalk.
TEAMtalk reported on 27 December that both Manchester United and Arsenal are keen on signing Meslier as a back-up goalkeeper, but sources share that neither club has made formal contact.
Serie A side Fiorentina, who signed free agent David de Gea last summer, are also fans of Meslier with the long-term in mind, as are Ligue 1’s Rennes, who bought Glen Kamara from Elland Road in August.
Meslier remains Daniel Farke’s clear first-choice between the sticks in LS11 and has kept 13 clean sheets in Championship 23 appearances this term, but has also made some costly and high-profile errors.
Illan Meslier bid could be too good to turn down at Leeds United
In his time at Elland Road, Farke has shown that he’s not the biggest fan of making changes to his side – particularly in defence – unless absolutely necessary, and least of all between the sticks.
Losing Meslier in January, therefore, would leave Farke needing to sign a brand new goalkeeper mid-season to replace him, given the Frenchman is United’s undisputed long-term number one.
Karl Darlow would be the obvious candidate to step into the breach without Meslier, but despite his form on the international stage for Wales, Farke has been reluctant to throw the veteran into first-team action.
The Whites are one of many clubs keen on Liverpool’s number two Caoimhin Kelleher and have a historic interest in Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson, but neither would want to let their keeper leave mid-season.
Given his side leads the way in the Championship heading into the window, Farke won’t want too much change in January, but a big enough bid for Meslier might just force his and Leeds’ hands.
In other Leeds news, one Whites player has suffered a fresh injury setback just weeks after returning to the first-team fold.
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