Manager confirms loan is imminent for Leeds-linked giant

By Will Butcher

French outlet Ouest France have reported that Lorient manager Christophe Pelissier has confirmed that goalkeeper Illan Meslier was not at training on Wednesday, and is set to leave the club on loan amid reports he is joining Leeds.

The French outlet reports that 19-year-old goalkeeper Meslier, who stands at an enormous 6ft 6in, is currently in ‘advanced negotiations’ with the Championship club and is expected to join Marcelo Bielsa’s side on loan.

Leeds have been looking for a new goalkeeper after they sold Bailey Peacock-Farrell to Burnley for £3.5million, and Meslier has been identified as the player they want to sign. Landing Meslier is also somewhat of a loophole.

Leeds already have four players on loan at the club, and only five domestic loans can be included in the matchday squad. But with Meslier contracted to French side Lorient, he does not count as one of the five.

Meslier is a France Under-20 international and appeared for his country at the Under-20 World Cup earlier this summer. He has already clocked up 30 appearances for Lorient, keeping 11 clean sheets and conceding just 32 times.

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TBR’s view – Meslier could rival Casilla for number one spot

Meslier is set to be brought in as back-up to former Spain international Casilla, but the Frenchman is hardly looking to warm the bench at Elland Road. Indeed, he has the quality to push the former Real Madrid star.

His performances at the Under-20 World Cup were impressive and after already tasting regular football with Lorient, Meslier certainly has a chance of breaking into Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

(Photo by Jose Breton/NurPhoto via Getty Images)