Manchester United to ‘battle’ Chelsea for signing of Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier
Premier League rivals Chelsea are set to be challenged by Manchester United for the signing of Leeds United star Illan Meslier, according to Media Foot via CaughtOffside (h//t Manchester Evening News).
The Red Devils will ‘battle’ Graham Potter’s team for the signature of the 22-year-old. He could move to the Old Trafford side with the club looking for a replacement for David de Gea.
The 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season. Although, the Manchester-based club do have the option to extend the Spaniard’s deal by a further year.
However, Meslier could be seen as a long-term solution for Erik ten Hag at Man United. The Dutch manager seemingly wants to play out from the back. Fans who have seen a lot of the 22-year-old know that he is decent at distributing the ball.
At Chelsea, currently, Potter has Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga at his disposal. However, the Senegal international has lost his place in the team in the current campaign and has been pipped by the Spaniard in the pecking order.
Meslier has been in West Yorkshire since the summer of 2019. He was initially brought on loan from Lorient but was permanently signed in 2020.
The France U21 international is one of the youngest keepers in the Premier League. He has been impressive in the English top flight over the years. The 22-year-old has been the first choice since the Peacocks’ promotion to the English top flight after a 16-year absence in 2020.
De Gea has been in fine form for Man United since last season. The 32-year-old has been an ever-present in between the sticks for the Red Devils in the current campaign.
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The Spaniard had a shaky start under Ten Hag. But the shot-stopper has displayed his qualities since the defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford. But will the former Atletico Madrid man depart soon and be replaced by Meslier? Only time will tell.
