Leeds United turn to third-choice Illan Meslier replacement, easier to sign than Nick Pope and James Trafford

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Leeds United are interested in signing a new goalkeeper this summer with Illan Meslier’s time at Elland Road seemingly up, with a series of England internationals linked with The Whites.

The first was Aaron Ramsdale with the Southampton and England star suffering another career relegation. The £25m Saints man is due to be on the move again, with Ramsdale boasting a relegation release clause.

Then came James Trafford, Burnley’s all-conquering goalkeeper. Trafford has been nominated alongside Dan James for the Championship Player of the Season award and could be the first goalkeeper to win it.

The other is Newcastle United’s no.1 Nick Pope, who finds his future in doubt given Newcastle are in the market to bring in a new goalkeeper. Indeed, Trafford is widely expected to make a move to Newcastle.

• READ MORE: What Karl Darlow has been saying about Illan Meslier behind the Leeds scenes

Leeds turn to third-choice option in Wolves’ Sam Johnstone

With Trafford likely to end up at Newcastle, the chances of Pope remaining as a second-choice option are minimal. Leeds are interested in both Pope and Trafford and will keep tabs on their ongoing situations.

But now, The Sun’s Alan Nixon as written on his Patreon channel that Leeds have turned to £10m-rated Sam Johnstone. The club’s third-choice option with the feeling Trafford and Pope will be difficult to do.

Johnstone, another England international, is likely to be on the move this summer after falling behind Jose Sa between the Wolves sticks following the appointment of Sa’s fellow countryman Vitor Pereira.

Comparing Illan Meslier to Sam Johnstone in the Premier League

Meslier broke plenty of records in the Premier League. Youngster goalkeeper to 10 clean sheets, youngest to play 100 times – but he clearly needs replacing. However, Johnstone’s record is not that much better.

Meslier was at a disadvantage in that he was the goalkeeper in a Marcelo Bielsa side. When Leeds lost, they lost heavily. But even then, Johnstone’s record in terms of minutes per goals conceded is not good.

Johnstone and Meslier’s Premier League stats compared:

It’s not happened for him since his West Brom spell, since playing for Wolves and Crystal Palace. A move to Leeds would see Johnstone become first choice, but he is certainly some way off Pope and Trafford.