[ad_1]
Manchester United are believed to be keen on a move for Leeds United starlet, Illan Meslier, having previously been linked with the Frenchman during the summer window.
What’s the word?
According to Media Foot, the Red Devils – as well as Premier League rivals Chelsea – are believed to be eyeing a deal for the 22-year-old in 2023, with it looking as if the youngster will move on from Elland Road in the near future.
This follows previous reports in the recent window that suggested the Old Trafford outfit were interested in the former Lorient sensation, albeit with journalist Fabrizio Romano having suggested at the time that the player was viewed as “untouchable” by the Whites.
Despite the 6 foot 6 menace still having three-and-a-half years left to run on his existing deal in Yorkshire, this latest report from France suggests that a departure may well be a possibility next year, with Jesse Marsch and co said to be eyeing Croatian star Dominik Livakovic as a replacement.
Repeat Ferdinand masterclass
A new goalkeeping addition remains a notable priority as far as Erik ten Hag is concerned, with current number one David De Gea facing something of an uncertain future at the club with just six months remaining on his contract, albeit with United having the option of triggering a 12-month extension.
Should the club be looking for a possible replacement for the Spaniard – who is reportedly willing to take a pay cut to remain at the Theatre of Dreams – turning to Meslier could well be a strong solution, with the towering stopper having sparkled in English football in recent years.
The “ridiculous” talent – as described by The Athletic’s Phil Hay – notably made the most saves in the division last term (143) to help steer his current side to safety, after previously finishing fourth in that metric the year prior with 140 saves to his name.
Should Man United sign Meslier?
Yes!
No
Signed for just £5m back in the summer of 2020, the £22k-per-week ace – who has started 14 league games this season – is now said to be worth around £50m, according to Phil Hay of The Athletic, with such an exciting asset unlikely to come cheap for Ten Hag and co.
Although it may well prove controversial to land the France U21 international from their bitter rivals, United could well repeat the success that they had after signing club legend Rio Ferdinand from Leeds back in 2002.
That £30m swoop ultimately proved a real masterstroke for the Red Devils as the Englishman went on to enjoy a glittering 12-year stay in Manchester, racking 455 appearances in all competitions in that time.
The 81-cap titan would help the club to clinch six league titles and the Champions League, among other major honours, during his more than decade-long spell at Old Trafford, having even been named as the Premier League’s best-ever defender by Liverpool star, Virgil van Dijk.
Ten Hag could now look to repeat that transfer masterclass and prise Meslier from Elland Road in the near future, with the young stopper also potentially set to prove a long-term option for the club, much like Ferdinand.
[ad_2]
#Man #United #eyeing #Illan #Meslier #move
