Illan Meslier will not be interested in becoming a number two at Manchester United should he leave Leeds United in January, according to Ben Jacobs.
The 24-year-old is facing an uncertain future at Elland Road as the winter transfer window approaches with Premier League giants Arsenal preparing to make a move [TBR Football].
However, despite TEAMtalk (27 December) claiming Manchester United are yet to formalise their approach, Jacobs reported via GiveMeSport (29 December) that there interest exists but Meslier is hesitant to make the move.
He said: “There is interest in him. I can’t confirm the Manchester United links to any great degree.
“Manchester United will resolve the [Altay] Bayindir situation, and then if Bayindir 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.”
Illan Meslier holds the cards on his Leeds United future
Leeds can effectively discredit Manchester United’s and Arsenal’s interest in Meslier after the Frenchman’s intentions emerged.
The Whites goalkeeper should only leave West Yorkshire to be a guaranteed first-team regular – he is the undisputed number one for Daniel Farke and will continue his role beyond January should he choose to stay.
However, not all hope is lost. Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennais are also keen on signing him in January [Jeunesfooteux] and, unlike a move to the Premier League, he would become the new number one in his native France.
Farke retains a “serious interest” in Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher to replace Meslier, and the Republic of Ireland international would represent a significant upgrade between the sticks.
But a move for the 25-year-old is entirely dependent on Meslier departing Elland Road, and with Kelleher expected to be one of the most sought after prospects on the market, Leeds cannot afford to bide their time.
Meslier is in complete control of his future, but with the Whites risking losing out on their preferred replacement, drastic measures may need to be taken to force the shot-stopper out of West Yorkshire.
