Sources: Leeds to plough ahead with multi-million signing after talks

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Published on:

16 Mar 2020, 6:30 am

Leeds United have told Lorient they intend to proceed with the permanent signing of Illan Meslier despite the uncertainty created by the coronavirus, Football Insider understands.

The Yorkshire giants signed the 20-year-old goalkeeper from the French Ligue 2 club last summer on a loan deal that included various options to make it permanent.

A Leeds source has told Football Insider that the club have been hugely impressed by Meslier's development over the campaign and have indicated in recent talks with Lorient they will activate the £5million purchase option irrespective of promotion.

United are obliged to buy the young keeper if they get promoted to the Premier League by the end of this season.

But the Championship big hitters are prepared to wrap up the deal early and not wait for the outcome of a campaign that hangs in the balance.

The EFL was suspended last Friday until at least 3 Friday, but the likelihood is the postponement will be extended for a lengthy period.

Nevertheless, Leeds have seen enough of Meslier to have no doubts about his ability to play at the top level.

He has made just three appearances since his arrival after spending most of the campaign deputising for Kiko Casilla.

The Spaniard's eight-match racism ban has opened the door for Meslier to make the No1 shirt his own.

He has cut an assured figure starting each of the last two games, keeping clean sheets in comprehensive wins against Huddersfield Town and

In other Leeds United news, it can be REVEALED there is a key meeting today as football chiefs reveal drastic promotion/relegation plan.

Leeds United