Leeds United had a ‘strong interest’ in the Vålerenga goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson prior to signing Elia Caprile from Chievo in January, according to Norwegian newspaper Dagsavisen (via Sport Witness).
The young stopper was pleased to learn of the English club’s interest in his services and told the paper: “It’s nice that there was interest from Leeds. After all, it’s a big club in England. Of course, it is great that such a club came along, and many players probably have a dream of playing in England.”
However, he didn’t provide any further information in regards to why a deal taking him to Elland Road never materialised.
Vålerenga’s sporting director Jørgen Ingebrigtsen confirmed that the Whites had made enquiries about the club’s plans with regards to the 19-year-old. He explained: “Leeds made a specific enquiry about what our plans were with Kristoffer. The first conversations with them were in autumn last year.”
Ingebrigsten elaborated on the conversation between the clubs, adding: “We said what you see now. That this is a player we didn’t want to sell. We had faith that he could become the first [choice] keeper at Vålerenga fairly quickly, and he is at the moment. They had a sense of understanding. The talks with them were very good.”
Do you think Casilla has a future at Leeds United?
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TIF Thoughts…
Up until his ban, Kiko Casilla was very much Marcelo Bielsa’s number one goalkeeper. However, he continues to serve a suspension after being found guilty of racially abusing Charlton Athletic’s Jonathan Leko, prompting some to speculate about whether or not he still has a future with the club after it was reported he is considering quitting.
Klaesson, who is valued at £270k (as per Transfermarkt), could be a player that the Yorkshire-based club go back in for in the future having already established a relationship with the Vålerenga hierarchy following their previous enquiries.
Illan Meslier looks set to continue in goal for the Whites as they prepare to try and pick up where they left off prior to the Championship’s suspension and secure promotion to the Premier League.