Leeds on the verge of £5m capture after on-loan star backs report

Marcelo Bielsa Leeds TEAMtalk

The future of on-loan Leeds Utd goalkeeper Illan Meslier appears set to remain at Elland Road after the player himself retweeted a report stating he will make the permanent switch to Yorkshire next season.

The 20-year-old stopper signed for the Whites at the beginning of the season in a one year loan capacity.

His chances have been limited despite a series of suspect performances from number one keeper Kiko Casilla, but on the rare occasion he was called upon, Meslier performed capably.

The France under-20 international – standing at a towering six foot six – impressed as Leeds dominated yet ultimately fell short in their FA Cup clash with Arsenal.

His two league appearances came in the Whites’ most recent encounters, with his record unblemished as he kept two clean sheets in victories over Hull City and Huddersfield Town.

A fee reported to be in the region of £5m had been touted as inserted into Meslier’s contract should Leeds wish to turn his temporary move permanent, and the latest report from British newspaper the Telegraph suggests the club will do just that.

The outlet state that Meslier ‘looks likely’ to be heading to the Premier League and Leeds are keen to take up their option despite parent club Lorient securing promotion back to Ligue 1.

 

The news was then reported by French publication Foot Mercato, with Meslier then retweeting the report written in his native language out to his followers on social media.

One potential caveat is referenced though, with the Telegraph noting that Meslier is Premier League-bound and Leeds’ promotion to the top flight has not yet been confirmed owing to the ongoing uncertainty amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, one pundit has explained why a Leeds star would be a perfect fit for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.