Leeds United might have a new priority for the January transfer window after the last outing against Hull City: finding a new goalkeeper to replace Illan Meslier.
Leeds United fans were fuming at Illan Meslier after the 3-3 draw against Hull City last time out. Likewise, the Leeds players were fuming at Meslier too, with Joe Rodon in particular venting at the Frenchman after his comical error for Hull’s second.
It’s not the first time this season that the 24-year-old shot-stopper has had a nightmare either. Notably, Meslier’s blunder against Sunderland back in October threw away two points, which Daniel Farke would surely take right now.
Back-to-back defeats for the Whites has seen their lead at the top of the Championship table close to one point. Burnley are in 2nd and Sheffield United are in 3rd, both on 52 points compared to Leeds’ 53, whilst Sunderland in 4th are on 50 points.
| 1 | Leeds | 26 | 15 | 8 | 3 | 48 | 19 | 29 | 53 |
| 2 | Burnley | 26 | 14 | 10 | 2 | 31 | 9 | 22 | 52 |
| 3 | Sheffield Utd | 26 | 16 | 6 | 4 | 36 | 17 | 19 | 52 |
| 4 | Sunderland | 26 | 14 | 8 | 4 | 39 | 22 | 17 | 50 |
It’s reported that Leeds United are open to selling Meslier during the January transfer window, although Farke has played down the idea of dropping him straight away.
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Leeds United won’t be signing Caoimhin Kelleher in January
One name who Leeds are said to be keen on is Caoimhin Kelleher. Leeds United have been linked with Kelleher at Liverpool with the Irishman keen to leave Anfield as he struggles to find regular game time in the Premier League.
Kelleher is also thought to have interest from the likes of Newcastle United and even Chelsea, though Chelsea’s links have been played down. Now though, Leeds’ hopes of signing the 26-year-old are all but over.
TEAMTALK have revealed that Kelleher dropping down to the Championship is ‘not possible as things stand’, with the idea of a loan move for the Liverpool man ‘not considered viable’ either. But the same report suggests that Leeds would stand a chance of signing Kelleher if they earn promotion.
Numerous reports have suggested that Liverpool want somewhere between £25-30million for Kelleher.
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Leeds United could command huge fee for Illan Meslier
Meslier still has a year-and-a-half on his Leeds contract. And despite his multiple mistakes, he still has potential to play at a high level.
Given that, Carlton Palmer has predicted that Leeds would command upwards of £20million for Meslier, who the club paid just £5million for in 2020.
Palmer said: “I think Leeds United may be open to selling him if they get an offer in the region of £20m+, especially if money’s tight, which it has been – they had to sell [Crysencio] Summerville and Archie Gray.”
Someone like Kelleher then could well be within Leeds’ price range if the club were to cash in on Meslier beforehand, and for a fee around £20million. Though how likely that would be remains to be seen.
And first of all, Leeds need to get themselves promoted.
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