A report from Football Insider suggests that Leeds United might sign Illan Meslier permanently after making an increasingly favourable impression on Marcelo Bielsa in training.
The 19-year-old Frenchman is currently on a season-long loan from Lorient but has not yet made his debut with Kiko Casilla in such good form.
Do you think Meslier will earn a permanent deal?
Yes
No
However, the Spaniard could be set for a spell on the sidelines after he was charged with using racist language towards Jonathan Leko.
This would give Meslier his chance.
Why do Leeds want him?
Bielsa is said to be enjoying working with the 6ft 5 goalkeeper and that if Casilla is banned, he will place full faith in Meslier.
The report says that a permanent deal for Meslier is a “Real possibility.”
Casilla is the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for the Whites, but should the FA find him guilty of using racist language, then he will be banned for a minimum of six matches – which would give Meslier his chance to impress Bielsa and the board.
If the 19-year-old were to perform well and Leeds continue their good form, then he could be playing in the Premier League next year.
Will Leeds sign him?
Meslier is unlikely to be given a chance in the league if Casilla is not banned – as the former Real Madrid man is too good to drop.
Therefore, the 19-year-old’s hopes of securing a permanent deal at Elland Road might be down to the FA, finding enough evidence to prove that Casilla used racist language.
Even though Meslier impresses Bielsa in training, they surely can’t sign a player without seeing him in a competitive game first?
It will be interesting to see what happens with the Casilla case as it may well decide where Meslier is playing his football next season.