Illan Meslier urges Ben White to stay at Leeds United

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Illan Meslier has told Leeds United’s official Twitter account after completing a move to Elland Road that he hopes Ben White follows him, in turning a loan deal into a permanent one.

Meslier, 20, joined Leeds on loan from Lorient as he looked to play back-up to Kiko Casilla. But he ended up playing 10 of the last 11 league games with Spain international Casilla banned for eight of those matches.

It has seen Leeds move quickly and confirmed on Thursday evening that his loan deal had been made permanent. Meslier has signed a three-year contract with the Yorkshire Evening Post claiming he has cost £5million.

White, meanwhile, has seen his loan from Brighton expire. Unlike Meslier, there was no permanent clause in the contract and it remains to be seen if a permanent deal can be arranged – but Meslier has urged him to stay.

“I hope so,” Meslier said when asked if he think White should stay. “I think Victor [Orta] works very well, so if he can sign Ben White then it is perfect for Leeds, for the team, for the squad, so I hope he stays.”

TBR’s view – What do Leeds need to do to sign White?

White’s part in the celebrations and his connection with the Leeds players suggests that he would be all for a permanent move to Elland Road. What Leeds need to do, is match Brighton’s asking price.

That will be a tall order. Given White is young and English and being courted by some of England’s richest clubs – his asking price could be north of £30million. The Whites also need to fend off interest from other clubs.

It is a tall order, but Victor Orta worked miracles in luring Marcelo Bielsa to Elland Road.