TMW report that Chelsea and Manchester United are set to do battle for Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier this summer, with the Frenchman likely to be one of a number of players that exit Elland Road in the next few months.
Meslier, 23, has been crucial for Leeds over the last four years. Joining the club initially on loan in 2019 from Lorient, he found his path into the Leeds side blocked by Kiko Casilla. Towards the end of the 19-20 season, that changed.
He broke his way past Casilla and helped Leeds win promotion to the Premier League, signing permanently that summer for a bargain £5m. Meslier has since gone on to break numerous Premier League records with Leeds.
But this season, it has not been successful. Indeed, Sam Allardyce has dropped him for the last four games and the Whites have been relegated. That has not deterred interest in the France U21 star, though. An exodus is expected.
Plenty of players could go. Tyler Adams, Willy Gnonto, Robin Koch, Jack Harrison and Rodrigo. Meslier could be another. Chelsea – who have hired Mauricio Pochettino – and Manchester United could do battle, according to TMW.
Chelsea and Manchester United to do battle for Leeds goalkeeper Meslier
Interesting one this. At times, while starting every Premier League game as our undisputed no.1, Meslier was being touted in the region of £40m-£50m. But he has been poor of late, before being dropped. Now, relegation is a factor.
Leeds are likely to cash in if an offer of a decent stature comes. But he is no longer a potential £40m sale. Meslier’s axe will have seen his value dwindle slightly, as will his form, and relegation. Leeds will still make a healthy profit.
Perhaps, a fee of £20m might be enough for Leeds to consider the Frenchman’s exit in the coming months. But, the club are certainly not under an enormous amount of pressure to sell Meslier – with his deal expiring in June 2026.
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