Valencia and Rangers have reportedly joined FC Lorient in the battle for the signature of 25-year-old Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
According to a report by French outlet Foot Mercato, Valencia and Rangers are keen on signing Illan Meslier. The 2000-born French goalkeeper has no future at Leeds United after the newly promoted Premier League club signed Lucas Perri from Lyon earlier in the summer transfer window. Meslier is also a target for FC Lorient, with the Ligue 1 club keen on re-signing him.
Illan Meslier and his situation at Leeds United
Illan Meslier has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Leeds United from FC Lorient. A native of Lorient, the Frenchman spent his formative years in his homeland, starting his youth career at ES Merlevenez before graduating from the youth division at FC Lorient. However, he rose in prominence after moving to Leeds United.
Leeds United initially signed Meslier on loan in August 2019 before completing a permanent move 12 months later. The 25-year-old has made over 200 appearances for Leeds United while keeping 72 clean sheets and conceding 283 goals. However, the player has no future at Elland Road, although there is no shortage of interest in him. FC Lorient, Valencia, and Rangers are vying for his signature in the final days of the summer transfer window.
A man in demand
Valencia will dip into the market for a goalkeeper in the final days of the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding Stole Dimitrievski’s long-term future. So, Meslier has emerged on Valencia’s radar, with Los Che identifying the French goalkeeper as the priority target to reinforce the goalkeeping unit.
Meanwhile, FC Lorient’s interest in Illan Meslier is understandable. The Merlucciidaes are scouring the market for a goalkeeper in the final days of the summer transfer window, and they are keen on re-signing the out-of-favour Leeds United shot-stopper. The report has claimed that Whites have received an offer from the Ligue 1 outfit, and a second coming may be on the cards.
As for Rangers, it is unclear why Russell Martin wants another goalkeeper despite having three shot-stoppers in his squad. Nevertheless, Meslier has emerged as a target for the Scottish giants. However, they have yet to launch a move for the 25-year-old Frenchman.
Interestingly, Meslier is not the only Leeds United player on Valencia’s radar, with widespread reports linking Los Che with Large Ramazani. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Meslier, given that the 2000-born French goalkeeper has no future at Leeds United.
