Illan Meslier has told French outlet Ouest France that if he is presented with the chance to leave Leeds United and join the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham or Manchester United he will think with a “clear head” before making a decision.
Meslier, 23, is now approaching four years at Elland Road having initially joined Leeds in the summer of 2019 on loan from Lorient. A move that was made permanent in the summer of 2020 for just £5m, after breaking into the side.
In that time, Meslier has clocked up 119 games for Leeds. Against Wolves, he became the youngest goalkeeper to play 100 times in the Premier League. But, of course, the France U21 goalkeeper is attracting plenty of interest.
The Sun claim Manchester United want to raid Leeds for Meslier. Mirror reporter Darren Lewis, meanwhile, says Tottenham and Chelsea want the Frenchman. The goalkeeper kept the door open over a move in the summer.
“It would be a mistake to project oneself so far. There are many steps before that: a continuation to be sought with Leeds, the Euro Espoirs [U21 championship] in June,” Meslier explained, in an interview with Ouest France.
“To succeed in all of this, I have to be good. Because no one will come looking for me if I am not. And if I am asked, I will take the time to think about my future with a clear head,” Meslier added, when asked about interest in him.
Meslier will think with clear head if presented with chance to leave Leeds
There have been a number of reports suggesting that £30million would be enough to lure Meslier away from Leeds. But Leeds have got to go big. Meslier has broke records since moving to Elland Road and at 23, is still a youngster.
Especially, in terms of being a goalkeeper. The Whites are in a good position – his contract still has three years left on it. So, if clubs are to become interested in Meslier, then Leeds should set the asking price a whole lot higher.
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