Leeds Utd reach decision after Man Utd threaten to poach key player Jesse Marsch cannot lose

Leeds Utd have put Man Utd in their place regarding Illan Meslier who they deem ‘untouchable’, leading to a veteran alternative being targeted, per reports.

It’s fair to say Manchester United’s transfer window hasn’t gone to plan. Frenkie de Jong was their No 1 target, though claims from the Netherlands state everything they agreed with Barcelona has now been withdrawn.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the elephant in the room. The wantaway legend is having a negative effect on team morale and is a poor fit for Erik ten Hag’s system.

United have now come to the conclusion he must go, and a suitor may finally be emerging.

If Ronaldo does depart, a new striker will be required. Alvaro Morata was one name linked with the Athletic reporting talks were underway. However, the veteran Spaniard recently poured cold water on talk of a move.

A lesser highlighted thread of United’s transfer window that hasn’t yet been resolved is the goalkeeping department.

Dean Henderson has left on loan, while Lee Grant has retired. That leaves just David de Gea and Tom Heaton on the books and few top clubs enter a campaign without a senior third keeper.

Watford’s Daniel Bachman had been linked earlier this summer, though that route now appears a dead end.

Illan Meslier to Man Utd? Leeds have their say

The surprise name of Leeds United stopper, Illan Meslier, was recently touted by the Athletic.

They reported Manchester United had identified the 22-year-old Frenchman as an ideal candidate to slot in between De Gea and Heaton in the pecking order.

Signing such an important Leeds player given the rivalry between the clubs always looked ambitious. Indeed, according to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds have let Man Utd know they’re barking up the wrong tree.

Romano tweeted the Whites have ‘no intention’ of negotiating with the Red Devils for Meslier.

The stopper is considered ‘untouchable’ at Elland Road and is a ‘key part’ of their project.

Yann Sommer moves into focus

With that avenue closed, Romano added Man Utd will turn their attention elsewhere, namely to Yann Sommer.

The veteran Swiss goalkeeper, 33, would represent a safe pair of hands when called upon.

He plies his trade for Borussia Monchengladbach and news of United’s interest was first revealed by Blick reporter Andreas Boni,

Sommer has entered the final 12 months of his deal in Germany. As such, he could be available for a bargain sum well within their reported £7m budget for a back-up, per the Athletic.

However, Sommer may soon be inundated with an offer of a contract extension by Monchengladbach.

The decision would then be whether he wishes to continue playing regularly in Germany, or be a back-up/cup goalkeeper at Old Trafford.

Romano concluded Sommer is likely to be ‘tempted’ by a new deal in Germany.