By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

15th Sep, 2023 | 4:00pm

Sources: Leeds United ready to axe Meslier as replacement already secured

Karl Darlow was signed to be Leeds United’s first-choice goalkeeper in the summer window, sources have told Football Insider.

But despite the Whites’ willingness to sell Illan Meslier, no suitable offer came forward and the Frenchman remains at Elland Road.

Meslier, 23, has started every Championship game so far this season, with Darlow coming into Daniel Farke’s side for the League Cup defeat at Salford.

It is believed Leeds are relaxed about the prospect of losing Meslier in the January window as they believe Darlow is a capable replacement.

Football Insider revealed on 28 July that Farke’s side will ask for bids of between £20-25million for the young Frenchman.

The Yorkshire giants had previously valued the shot-stopper at around £40million.

He has kept just one clean sheet in five second-tier games this season, conceding seven goals.

Meslier managed only five shut-outs in 38 games across all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign as Leeds were relegated to the Championship.

He conceded 73 goals in those appearances – and was dropped by interim boss Sam Allardyce for the final four games of last term.

The former France Under-21 international is under contract until June 2026.

Meanwhile, Darlow spent the second half of the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Hull City, keeping five clean sheets in 12 outings for the Tigers.

The 32-year-old racked up 100 total appearances during his time with Newcastle, with 52 of those outings coming in the Premier League.

He signed a contract at Elland Road running until June 2026.

In other news, Leeds to open new contract talks with star man after turnaround.