Illan Meslier exit update emerges at Leeds United amid Marseille transfer speculation
Marseille’s reported transfer interest in Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier this summer “just isn’t real”, according to Graham Smyth.
Reports from France earlier in the summer transfer window had suggested the Frenchman was eager to leave Elland Road and could potentially be of interest to new Marseille manager Roberto de Zerbie [La Provence, 28 June].
While speculation has continued around his future, Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Smyth believes that it is little more than agent talk with a move to the Ligue 1 against currently a “non-starter”.
Speaking on the Inside Elland Road podcast (9 July, 10:47) he said: “The Marseille thing to me just isn’t real.
“Somebody is pumping that out but Leeds aren’t aware of the interest which means that the interest isn’t real because there haven’t even been tentative enquiries, so I think that’s a non-starter right now.”
Will Illan Meslier exit Leeds United amid Elland Road transfer speculation?
It did come as a surprise to see Meslier linked with a high-profile move away from Leeds United this summer, given the fact he once again had a very mixed season under the management of Daniel Farke last year.
At his best, the French keeper can make saves that decide matches, but far too often he makes major errors that can prove costly, especially in a promotion race which was as tight as it was last season in the Championship.
Had Marseille offered the Whites a big fee for his services, Leeds may well have been inclined to accept it and then reinvest that fee back into the playing squad. Judging by Smyth’s admission, however, that sort of move seems incredibly unlikely.
Somebody somewhere is clearly trying to drum up some interest in Meslier this summer and so far it doesn’t appear to have been successful. It would now come as a surprise if he wasn’t in place between the posts this season.
In other Leeds United news, Patrick Bamford’s absence during the start of the Whites’ pre-season at Thorp Arch has been explained
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