Leeds become vulnerable to Bayern Munich raid for regular starter, as Man Utd target’s preference emerges

Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier is the latest player under consideration by Bayern Munich for a transfer in 2023 to cover for Manuel Neuer, according to a report that has revealed his thoughts about his next step.

Meslier has been serving as Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper for the bulk of their time back in the Premier League. He originally joined them on loan from Lorient in the season they won promotion from the Championship.

Since 2020, Meslier has been a permanent Leeds player and has established himself as a Premier League number one. Now with more than 100 appearances for the club to his name, the Frenchman has been building up a list of admirers.

It has been apparent for a few months that clubs higher up the Premier League table are aware of Meslier’s potential. For example, he is supposedly on the shortlists of Manchester United and Chelsea.

The goalkeeping hierarchies for 2023 and beyond are unclear at both of those clubs. Man Utd are deciding what to do with David de Gea and also who will be their backup option, while Chelsea are yet to indicate a long-term faith in either Edouard Mendy or Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Hence, Meslier is someone under consideration by both clubs as a potential long-term solution. Still only 22 years old, he could develop over time into a reliable custodian for them.

However, it is now emerging that Meslier’s next step might not be in the Premier League. According to Media Foot, he has also become of interest to Bayern Munich.

The Bundesliga champions recently lost Manuel Neuer to a serious injury. Besides, they have been thinking about a succession plan beyond the 36-year-old anyway.

Per the report, Bayern have now identified Meslier as a contender to take over for the rest of the season and then succeed Neuer in the long term.

In fact, club officials from the German side have already been in contact with Meslier’s representatives to test the waters for a potential deal.

Illan Meslier may opt for Premier League stay

However, the report also adds that Meslier’s preference at this stage would be to continue his career in the Premier League. It may be his destiny to progress up through the division and end up at a club competing for the European places.

Of course, joining Bayern would be a risk depending on when Neuer is back in contention. The Germany international will still have another season of contract remaining after this one.

Hence, it might end up being a gradual process of taking over from him. Meslier might prefer to keep ensuring he gets regular gametime, be that at Leeds or another home.

Bayern’s interest will surely be flattering if it is concrete, though. It goes to show how far he has progressed over the past few years at the very least.

Meslier must be focusing on Leeds in the meantime. Their next game will be against Manchester City on December 28. The shot-stopper will have to have recovered from a fever in order to be available.

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