Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'eyeing summer move for Illan Meslier'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 19 February 2023

Manchester United identify Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier as a possible long-term replacement for David de Gea, according to a report.

Manchester United have reportedly identified Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier as a possible long-term replacement for current number one David de Gea.

The Red Devils are facing a major decision when it comes to De Gea's future, as the Spaniard's contract at Old Trafford is due to expire at the end of the season.

There have been claims that the 32-year-old could sign a new deal on reduced terms, but Man United are believed to be looking to bring in a long-term replacement for the stopper.

De Gea has been with the Red Devils since 2011, making 519 appearances in all competitions, which places him 10th on the club's all-time appearance list, just behind Denis Irwin (529).

The former Atletico Madrid youngster has kept 14 clean sheets in 33 appearances for Man United this season, but it is believed that the club's head coach Erik ten Hag is looking to sign a stopper who is superior on the ball.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag with goalkeeper David de Gea on October 30, 2022 © Reuters

According to The Sun, Meslier has emerged as a leading target for the club, with the Frenchman having plenty of admirers at Old Trafford.

The report claims that Dean Henderson will be sold this summer once he has returned from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest, with the England international not thought to have a long-term future at the club.

De Gea could allegedly sign a new deal in the region of £250,000 a week, but Meslier may be signed this summer if Leeds are relegated from the Premier League.

The 22-year-old arrived at Leeds from Lorient in 2019, initially on loan, and he has represented the Whites on 114 occasions in all competitions, including 96 outings in the Premier League.

Illan Meslier in action for Leeds United on August 21, 2022 © Reuters

This season, Meslier has featured on 26 occasions for Leeds, conceding 43 times, keeping only four clean sheets in the process.

The Frenchman has a contract at Elland Road until June 2026, but the Whites would not be in a strong position to keep hold of him if they were relegated to the Championship.

Leeds, who recently sacked head coach Jesse Marsch, are currently 19th in the table, having picked up just 19 points from their opening 23 matches of the campaign.

Man United, meanwhile, are third in the division on 46 points, and a victory over Leicester City on Sunday afternoon would move them to within three points of second-placed Manchester City on the same number of matches (24).