By Gabriel Agbonlahor

17th Mar, 2023 | 10:21am

Tottenham backed to exploit Leeds and agree Illan Meslier deal after source's £30m+ reveal - Agbonlahor

Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Illan Meslier “could be the answer” in goal for Tottenham if they are willing to meet Leeds United’s asking price.

However, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Aston Villa striker admitted signing Everton star Jordan Pickford would have been the “perfect” solution – but he has signed a new long-term contract.

Sources told this site on Sunday (12 March) that Leeds have slapped a £30million-plus price tag on goalkeeper Meslier amid interest from several Premier League clubs.

Spurs have been linked with the France Under-21 international as they look to replace long-serving keeper Hugo Lloris this summer.

Meslier and Leeds have conceded 42 goals in 26 games this season as the Whites once again battle against relegation from the Premier League.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think Meslier can be a top goalkeeper.

“He’s very tall and imposing. When you see him coming out of the tunnel, you see just how big he is.

“He’s decent on the ball and can produce a really good save. However, he can make a few howlers.

“Meslier is still young for a goalkeeper and he’s still learning the game.

“He could be the answer. They could keep Fraser Forster around and he pushes him for that number one spot.

“It’s just a question of whether Tottenham will pay that big fee for someone who isn’t necessarily ready to be the number one.

“I would have thought the perfect signing for Spurs would be Jordan Pickford.

“He’s signed a new contract so that doesn’t look likely. He would have been my first choice if I were Spurs.”

In other news, 51-year-old tells Daniel Levy he wants to be the next Tottenham manager.