Leeds’ Illian Meslier reportedly want to be the first-choice goalkeeper if he secures a move during the upcoming January transfer window.
Meslier has been linked to Manchester United, amidst uncertainty over the future of Altay Bayindir. Bayindir could be on his way out of the club in search of guaranteed first-team minutes elsewhere.
Since he arrived at Old Trafford, the Turkey international has found playing time extremely hard to come by, with Andre Onana the undisputed number one.
Ruben Amorim recently gave Bayindir the chance to prove himself when he started him in a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Tottenham Hotspur but he failed to take his chance, making two costly errors as United were dumped out of the competition.
A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Amorim is also keen on more competition for Onana, hence the links to Meslier.
This is not the first time Meslier has been mentioned to be on United’s radar. He was once touted as a replacement for David de Gea but needless to say, a transfer never materialised.
The Frenchman is enjoying a sensational campaign with Leeds. He has made 24 Championship appearances, keeping 14 clean sheets in the process. He has conceded just 15 goals in that period.
Journalist Ben Jacobs revealed Meslier’s stance to GIVEMESPORT ahead of what could be an intriguing window for the 24-year-old.
Jacobs said, “There is interest in him. I can’t confirm the Manchester United links to any great degree.”
“Manchester United will resolve the Bayinder situation, and then if Bayinder leaves, whenever that is, January or summer, they’ll need another goalkeeper, of course.”
“But there are suitors out there that are looking at Meslier for a number one. And again, to reiterate, that is what I’m told is his preference.”
Despite still being relatively young for a goalkeeper, Meslier boasts significant first-team experience. Leeds’ win over Derby on Sunday was his 200th appearance for the Elland Road outfit. In doing so, he became the first Leeds goalkeeper to reach a double-century of matches for the club since Nigel Martyn, who managed the same back in 2000.
United are back in action later this evening when they welcome Eddie Howe’s Newcastle at Old Trafford.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
