‘Leeds well placed to agree huge Aaron Ramsdale signing’
Leeds United are planning to sign a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window to compete with and potentially replace Illan Meslier.
There is a growing feeling at Elland Road that the 24-year-old is not at the required level to remain their number one if they earn promotion to the Premier League.
Daniel Farke’s side are leading the Championship and are looking likely to secure automatic promotion back to the top tier – but feel they will need to improve their squad to compete.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Leeds are already working to sign a replacement for Meslier amid concerns about his performances.
While there has been an improvement as of late, the error-prone nature of his displays and his last spell in the Premier League have forced Leeds to consider their options.
Former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider that Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale should be at the top of their list of potential targets.
The 26-year-old is expected to leave St Mary’s if, as expected, the Saints are relegated from the Premier League after a dismal season in the top flight.
Leeds United eye Aaron Ramsdale deal after Illan Meslier latest
Robinson previously told Football Insider that Farke is planning to replace Meslier with a top-class goalkeeper following a string of mistakes this season.
Ramsdale has emerged as one of those targets, as he remains determined to be the first-choice goalkeeper rather than a backup at a Champions League club.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Robinson explained that the signing of Ramsdale would be “huge” for Leeds despite his struggles in a difficult season for Southampton in the Premier League.
“The big one Leeds should look at is Aaron Ramsdale,” he told Football Insider.
“If Leeds are in the Premier League next year, keen an eye on Aaron Ramsdale’s situation.
“You’ve got to admire his attitude, the way he’s gone to Southampton and played a lot of this season injured, playing in a team that’s struggled.
“He’s not wanted to be part of a title-challenging team or Champions League side as a cup goalkeeper, he’s gone to Southampton to play week in, week out.
“I think he’s a top-class goalkeeper and would be a huge addition for Leeds.
“That’s going to be a key position for Leeds next year.”
Daniel Farke planning Premier League squad overhaul
Leeds are already putting plans in place ahead of the summer in the event they are promoted to the Premier League, as they feel their squad will need strengthening.
Alongside a new goalkeeper, they have identified the centre-forward position as a key area for improvements amid concerns about Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe.
Robinson told Football Insider that Roma striker Tammy Abraham is one of Leeds’ top targets for the position alongside Southampton’s Cameron Archer.
Abraham, 27, is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a return to the Premier League for the first time since leaving Chelsea.
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