Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Oliver Jones

Everything said on Illan Meslier's Leeds United future as fresh links established

Illan Meslier's future at Leeds United has been a topic of much debate since rumours started to swirl around the 21-year-old at the start of the January transfer window.

This season has arguably been his best in a Whites shirt so far, and with teams across Europe already starting to plan their moves for the summer market, the Frenchman has been one many are keeping an eye on.

Teams such as Premier League rivals Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham have all been linked with the star, alongside major European competition like Bayern Munich.

READ MORE: Mateusz Bogusz set for Elland Road departure as loan move cut short amid MLS talks

READ MORE: Ralf Rangnick issues injury update after Leeds United's Max Wober limps off for Austria

Here's a round-up of everything that has been said about Illan Meslier's future...

Leeds receive Meslier boost thanks to Chelsea's own goalkeeper woes

Writing for CaughtOffside earlier this week, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed that Meslier's links to Chelsea aren't yet solved as the Blues are yet to tackle their own issue between Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy.

"Links with someone like Illan Meslier and a top club like Chelsea are normal, he’s a very talented goalkeeper and many clubs have sent their scouts to follow him.

"But at the moment, Leeds want to keep things quiet and not to open any negotiation now. Chelsea are yet to make a decision on the goalkeepers situation.

"It’s a possibility that Mendy will leave Chelsea in the summer, but not something 100% decided yet. March is not time for final decision, also at Chelsea. Also, goalkeepers market is always a domino; not easy to find solution, and it hasn’t started yet."

Tottenham told to 'act like a big club' and go after Meslier

Speaking to Football Insider earlier this week, former Premier League star Frank McAvennie claimed that Spurs must go after the Whites star: "They are acting like a big club but they are doing everything except spend money like a big club.

"That is down to Daniel Levy. I do not for one minute believe that they do not have any money, so go and spend it. It is not even his money. Daniel Levy does not own Tottenham, I believe it is Joe Lewis’ money.

"If you own a club you want to get the best players and you are not going to get them at cut rates. Spurs have got to do that, they have never ever done it.

"Spending £30m on a goalkeeper, it is nothing. The big clubs will spend £80-£100m on a goalkeeper. In today’s world it has to be done."

Meslier compared to Thibaut Courtois and tipped for Man United move

Speaking to Betfred, former Manchester United star Louis Saha compared the 21-year-old to Real Madrid shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois and claimed his former side should go after him.

"He could be. He’s a good goalkeeper, with a lot of talent and his profile reminds me of Thibaut Courtois. He’s a tall lad and even though he may need to improve his passing range, he’s decent with the ball and he’s good on his line.

"The number one spot at Manchester United comes with a lot more pressure than it does at Leeds United or Lorient, so it all depends on whether he has the right mentality to take on that spot in Manchester United’s team. He’s a big talent but there’s a long way to go for him."

Meslier tipped for Chelsea move by ex-goalkeeping coach

Amid interest from Chelsea, one of the club's former goalkeeping coaches Christophe Lollichon admitted he was close to bringing him to Stamford Bridge.

"Illan Meslier. It’s been almost three years since he started in the Premier League. He’s not far from being [the] future number 1 with the Les Bleus [France], he has so many qualities.

"I discovered this kid with Regis Le Bris, when he was reserve goalkeeper at Lorient. I followed him for two years, I wanted to bring him to Chelsea. The first game that I saw Illan was with the reserve in N2 and I saw a central defender in front of me. I took a step to see him play. Illan loves this style of play.

"Illan met my height criteria because he was 1.96m tall, plus he has an amazing left foot, wingspan, very good in one-on-ones and very good in aerial play."

Leeds told they could struggle to keep hold of Meslier

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes that the Whites might find it hard to keep hold of the Frenchman, telling Optus Sports: "This is the best season I’ve seen him play. The problem Leeds have got, is whether they can keep hold of him in all honesty.

"I can see him playing in the Champions League in the not too distant future."

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.