Football News: Chelsea, Newcastle United considering Illan Meslier move?

Chelsea and Newcastle United are allegedly interested in signing Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier. The 22-year-old first joined the Whites on loan from Lorient in 2019, and since then, he has made 105 appearances for the team across all competitions, recording 28 clean sheets.

The Frenchman made another appearance for Leeds against West Ham United on Wednesday night, giving him 90 Premier League matches overall.

The goalkeeper is under contract at Elland Road through June 2026, but there have recently been rumours about what will happen to him if Jesse Marsch's team signs him.

Chelsea and Newcastle are reportedly keeping a close eye on Meslier and are both considering making a deal for him this summer, according to RMC Sport.

The French goalkeeper, who has been Leeds' first-choice since their promotion to the Premier League, reportedly has fans at Bayern Munich as well. As Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga's long-term futures are unknown,

Chelsea is rumoured to be searching for a new starting goalkeeper. However, Newcastle acquired Englishman Nick Pope from Burnley over the summer, and the Magpies have benefited from Pope's strong play thus far in 2022-23.

The 30-year-old has made 18 appearances in England's top division in 2022-2023 and has only given up 11 goals this season. He has also kept 10 clean sheets.

Newcastle leads the Premier League in defensive efficiency this season with just 11 goals conceded, three fewer than division leaders Arsenal.

Following Meslier's performance in the goalless draw with Newcastle on December 31, Leeds manager Marsch had all praise for him.

"With Illan I'm always challenging him to mature with his presence in goal, with his belief in himself, with his assuredness in decision making and with saves and with crosses,"

Marsch told reporters.

"For me, by being the last defender at the right time, the choices he made with the ball, the saves he made, the crosses that he caught, this is probably his best performance since I've been here, even with Liverpool."

"So I think we're seeing it, seeing a goalkeeper that's growing right before our eyes and that's going to be really important for us."

Additionally, Manchester United has reportedly expressed interest in Meslier in the past.

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