Paris Saint-Germain consider move for Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier

The 21-year-old has impressed in Premier League and could be tempted by move to France

Illan Meslier of Leeds United is interesting PSG. Getty

Paris Saint-Germain are interested in Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who has emerged as a more attainable option to Hugo Lloris and a cheaper alternative to David de Gea in the summer transfer market.

The 2020 Champions League finalists are considering a bid for the 21-year-old, who could replace current first-choice Keylor Navas in Mauricio Pochettino’s team.

France captain Lloris played for Pochettino at Tottenham for five years and is out of contract in 2022, but PSG could find Spurs chairman Daniel Levy difficult to deal with, even if manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly eyed Burnley’s Nick Pope as a potential replacement.

Manchester United could be open to offers for De Gea, especially if Dean Henderson replaces their four-time player-of-the-year as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first-choice goalkeeper, but the Spaniard’s £375,000-a-week wage may prove off-putting.

Meslier joined Leeds on loan from Lorient in 2019 and his transfer became permanent after their promotion to the top flight last year. He replaced Kiko Casilla as the regular in 2020 and has become the first goalkeeper under 21 to get eight Premier League clean sheets in a season.

While he has two years left on his current deal at Elland Road, it is thought the chance of a move to Paris could tempt him. Meslier’s two years under Marcelo Bielsa, Pochettino’s mentor, should equip him for a similar style of play and he is known for his excellent passing.

Fulham v Leeds ratings

Costa Rica international Navas has been PSG’s first choice since joining from Real Madrid in 2019. The triple Champions League winner was surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu when Real signed Thibaut Courtois and may face a similar scenario.

PSG also own France international Alphonse Areola, who has impressed while on loan at Fulham this season and who is due to return to the French capital, but who has not played for his parent club since 2019.