Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Illan Meslier, with Leeds United uninterested in selling the 22-year-old Frenchman.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds United have no intention to hold discussions with rivals Manchester United for the sale of goalkeeper Illan Meslier as they consider him ‘untouchable’ and have no desire to sell him.
Meslier signed for Leeds United from French club Lorient in the summer of 2019, arriving on loan initially. The youngster played a key role in the Whites earning promotion to the Premier League after 16 years, which prompted them to sign him permanently in the summer of 2020. Since then, he has been one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the English top flight.
Meslier has made 90 appearances for Leeds United already despite his young age and has managed to keep 25 clean sheets. The French Under-21 international’s progress and potential have earned him admirers in the form of Manchester United, who are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper.
Having let go of Dean Henderson on loan to Nottingham Forest, Manchester United have been left with David de Gea as the only viable option in goal, with veteran star Tom Heaton the second choice. However, de Gea’s start to the new season has been nothing short of woeful, forcing Erik ten Hag’s side to consider signing a quality keeper to compete with him.
Leeds have no intention to negotiate with Man United for Illan Meslier. The French goalkeeper is now considered ‘untouchable’ and key part of the project. ?⚪️ #LUFC
Man Utd are working to sign a new GK with Sommer in the list, but also tempted by Gladbach new deal bid. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/pwYpmA8yIi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2022
Meslier, to that end, has emerged as a target for Manchester United. The Red Devils have been scouting the 22-year-old Frenchman since last year and have been lining up a move for him. However, as has been the story for most of this summer, the Red Devils’ pursuit of another target is likely to lead to anything.
Indeed, Leeds United have no intentions of parting ways with Meslier at this point and view him as an ‘untouchable’ in the team. Hence, the Whites do not plan to hold any discussions about his sale with any club, let alone bitter rivals Manchester United.
With the move for Meslier a no-go, Manchester United will now have to look at other options to strengthen their goalkeeping department. Veteran custodian Yann Sommer is a target for whom the Red Devils have already lodged an enquiry. Whether it materialises into something substantial remains to be seen.
