Here are the Leeds United morning headlines on Sunday, May 3.
Meslier to take No. 1 Shirt
Leeds’ loanee goalkeeper Illan Meslier has been tipped to become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper next season if they earn promotion.
The 20-year-old is currently on loan from French side Lorient who themselves have just earned promotion to Ligue 1.
Meslier is understood to have made a good impression as Kiko Casilla’s stand-in while the Spaniard serves a suspension for using racist language.
In his three appearances for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, Meslier has conceded just once – in an FA Cup tie against Arsenal. The club would be able to sign him permanently for just £5 million.
Leeds eyeing up German defender
Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing SC Freiburg Robin Koch this summer.
Portuguese newspaper Record state that the German centre-back would be available for somewhere in the region of £10 million.
Victor Orta is alleged to have scouted the Bundesliga man and is looking to supplement Marcelo Bielsa’s defence given the likely departure of loan star Ben White.
Competition for Koch’s signature is strong, with Tottenham Hotspur and SL Benfica also interested.
Laporte in praise for Bielsa
Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte has praised former boss Marcelo Bielsa as one of the best managers in the world.
Laporte spoke about his current boss Pep Guardiola, as well as Bielsa who he worked under at Athletic Club, claiming that the two titans of management “know everything”.
The centre-back who has suffered with injury problems this season told BBC Radio 5 Live; “I think they are maybe the best two managers in the world.”
“They are very different but they know everything about football.”
Laporte could be set to face his former boss next season if Leeds are promoted to the Premier League.
