Leeds United News understands that the club remains determined to offload one of the last remaining Marcelo Bielsa signings in the January transfer window.
Having cleared the decks during the summer transfer window, Daniel Farke has very few of the old guard who played under Marcelo Bielsa to choose from at Leeds United.
Pascal Struijk has made a strong return to the Premier League with Leeds following promotion, forming an impressive partnership with Joe Rodon at the heart of Farke’s defence.
Following the departure of Patrick Bamford, goalkeeper Illan Meslier is the only other player who featured under Bielsa who remains in the Leeds squad.
Now, Leeds United News sources have confirmed that the club remains determined to offload Meslier, having preferred Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow to date this season.
Leeds United remain determined to offload Illan Meslier
Meslier has been closer to a place in the Leeds team in recent weeks, taking his place on the bench during Perri’s absence through injury.
However, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, this should not be interpreted as Meslier working his way back into favour under Farke.
Speaking exclusively to Leeds United News, Bailey confirmed that Leeds still intend to offload Meslier in January, having failed to do so in the summer. Asked if Leeds want to sell Meslier, Bailey said: “They’re going to be trying for sure.
“I haven’t heard anything, but again, it’s one that Leeds haven’t changed their stance on. It’s one where they want to move him on, and they will try in January.”
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When does Illan Meslier’s contract expire?
Meslier was linked with a host of clubs in the summer, including his former side Lorient, having fallen out of favour with Daniel Farke midway through the promotion season.
Whatever happens in January, this looks likely to be Meslier’s final season at Elland Road as his long-term deal with Leeds finally comes to an end.
Leeds rewarded Meslier with a new five-year contract in the summer of 2021, after he enjoyed a dream start to life in the top flight, keeping 11 clean sheets in 35 games for the Whites.
However, Leeds now risk losing the Frenchman on a free, as he can enter into a pre-contract agreement with an overseas team six months before his contract expires at the end of this season.
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