Leeds Looking to Seal Illan Meslier Transfer Despite Promotion Uncertainty

​Leeds United are looking to wrap up the permanent signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier in a deal worth around £5m, according to one report.

The 20-year-old keeper was originally signed on loan, with an option to purchase, from Lorient to replace the departing Bailey Peacock-Farrell and provide cover for first-choice Kiko Casilla. Since Casilla’s eight-match ban, Meslier has proven an able understudy.

L’Équipe report now that the Whites' option to buy becomes mandatory if Leeds were to achieve promotion. However, regardless of whether the coronavirus scuppers the club's ambitions to return to the Premier League, they will press ahead with a move for the French Under-20 international, having been ‘convinced’ by his talent.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side were seven points clear at the top of the Championship, before the coronavirus outbreak led to the suspension of the league.

If Leeds had been promoted, the obligation to buy as part of Meslier’s loan would have automatically become mandatory. However, after a series of strong performances, the Yorkshire club have made it clear that they wish to make his stay at Elland Road permanent anyway.

Meslier debuted against Arsenal in the FA Cup, and was praised for an assured performance in Leeds’ 1-0 loss, where his distribution and understanding with his team’s defence was evident.

Since then he has made a further two starts for the club against Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield and Hull City, keeping clean sheets in both to bolster his reputation as a composed presence between the sticks.

While the 2019/20 season could yet be rendered void, some have suggested that Leeds and second-placed West Brom could join a 22-team Premier League next season, while the teams currently occupying the top flight's relegation zone wpermitted to stay up.