Illan Meslier 'very likely' to push for Leeds United exit, Didier Deschamps is counting on him

Illan Meslier may push for an exit from Leeds United if they don't earn promotion back to the Premier League this season, according to Foot Mercato.

The French news outlet reported on Wednesday (27 December) that France manager Didier Deschamps is "counting" on the 23-year-old for the future after he was pre-selected for a national team gathering in October.

It added that the Whites keeper's opportunity in the French senior side is "very likely" to come through a "change of club", having been close to a move to Chelsea and Celta Vigo during the summer transfer window before he stayed at Elland Road.

Difficult

It's difficult to image Meslier staying on at Leeds again next summer if the club doesn't manage to secure promotion back to the Premier League.

While it did look likely that he would leave the club a few months ago, he did end up staying at Elland Road and has put in a number of impressive performances.

That was before the keeper was sent off for violent conduct just minutes into the second half against Preston on Tuesday (26 December), with the Whites falling to a 2-1 defeat.

His ill judgement is now going to give Karl Darlow a chance to impress in between the sticks as he looks to show Daniel Farke why he should be ahead of the Frenchman in the pecking order.

If Meslier does deem that remaining in West Yorkshire is going to harm his international chances down the line, then - like most players would - he is more than likely going to ensure his future lies elsewhere.

In other Leeds United news, one player could leave Elland Road on a cut-price deal in January if a fee can be agreed.