Illan Meslier exit talks now underway for Leeds transfer, buying club also wants West Ham man
Greatly-derided Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier is inching closer to an Elland Road exit.
The Frenchman has gone from being seen as a big Leeds talent following their promotion to the Premier League in 2020 to the club’s fourth-choice keeper in 2026.
Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri are competing for the number one spot, and backup stopper Alex Cairns has seemingly leapfrogged Meslier in the pecking order.
Meslier has been linked with a Leeds exit but to many, it seems like a summer departure is more likely when his contract runs down.
However, European interest is reportedly building before the winter window slams shut on Monday evening.
Besiktas consider late move for Leeds’ Illan Meslier
According to Turkish publication Sabah Spor, Besiktas are on the lookout for a new keeper and have their eyes set on the Premier League.
The report states that they initially wanted Chelsea’s number two keeper Filip Jorgensen but have since changed tack when that pursuit fell flat.
The Turkish giants then turned their attention to Santos star Gabriel Brazao, but their £5.2million bid for the 25-year-old was knocked back as they wanted £13m.
Since then, Besiktas have been credited with interest in Leeds’ Meslier and West Ham’s summer signing Mads Hermansen.
The Hammers have reportedly since decided to keep hold of the Dane, but Leeds may entertain offers for Meslier, who was also the subject of interest from Valencia last month, but that came to nothing.
Meslier is in need of a move to reignite his stagnating career. He was part of two Leeds promotions and with time, fans may look back on his Elland Road spell more fondly.
But for now, his reputation has been severely hit.
Will there be any other comings and goings at Leeds on deadline day?
Other than Leeds bringing in Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton last month, the Whites have been quiet in the winter window.
That could change, however, with Daniel Farke’s side keen to strengthen their squad to maximise their chances of staying in the Premier League.
FC Krasnodar star Eduard Spertsyan has been linked with a Leeds switch in a bid to bolster their midfield options.
Despite signing the big Brazilian last summer, Perri is reportedly attracting interest from Europe, with Leeds not overly enamoured with his performances thus far.
And, surprisingly, Leeds are being linked with a move for Burnley winger Jaidon Anthony, who spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Elland Road. It’s shaping up to be an intriguing final day of the window.
Stay up to date this winter with our Leeds transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Elland Road, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.