Leeds United player wants to join Celtic with talks already held

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Leeds United are expected to be active in the January window, both in terms of incoming signings and outgoings with the club mindful of their Profit & Sustainability Rules position.

While Robbie Evans claimed that a new signing would push Leeds over the edge, LeedsUnited.News is aware that there is room and the 49ers will provide Adam Underwood and Daniel Farke money to spend.

But if Leeds can get rid of a few fringe players who are not playing, even better. The likes of Joel Piroe, Sam Byram, Seb Bornauw, and even Jack Harrison might be tempted to leave if offers do come their way.

However, there is a much more obvious candidate expected to leave Leeds in 2026 and that is goalkeeper Illan Meslier. The Frenchman finds himself third choice at Elland Road, and out of contract next summer.

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Illan Meslier wants to replace Kasper Schmeichel at Celtic

Being a Leeds fan is testing, but try being a Celtic fan this last week. Having waved goodbye to Martin O’Neill after seven wins during an eight-game interim spell, Celtic confirmed the arrival of Wilfried Nancy.

The French gaffer joins after starring in MLS with Montreal and Columbus Crew. But things could not have been worse for Nancy in his first three games, losing to Hearts in the League and then Roma in Europe.

But worst of all, St. Mirren beat Celtic 3-1 on Sunday at Hampden Park to win the League Cup. Schmeichel is one Celtic player coming under intense criticism at the moment and Celtic need to sign a goalkeeper.

TeamTalk claim Inter Milan and Celtic are among the clubs to have held talks to sign Meslier ahead of the January window. Meslier doesn’t want to be second choice at Inter, but is open to the no.1 role at Celtic.

Why Celtic may have to wait for Illan Meslier

LeedsUnited.News understands Leeds are keen to offload Meslier in January to at least bring in some cash for his signature, although it will be a whole lot less than the price Meslier was once touted at.

But ultimately, Leeds don’t have any control in the matter. Meslier can sign a pre-contract with non-English clubs from January 1, which would see him leave on a free at the end of his Elland Road deal.

It might even suit Celtic, if they opt to keep Schmeichel in net until the end of the season before they make a change. While his form has been dodgy, the veteran Dane is hardly Celtic’s biggest problem.

Leeds will be desperate to offload Meslier next month but ultimately, they have little chance of getting that done unless a club need a new signing right now due to injury. Celtic would be a great move for him.