Manchester United are reportedly plotting a move for Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier in the wake of Dean Henderson 's uncertain future at the club.
Henderson has been linked with a loan move away from Old Trafford in January.
The United academy graduate has struggled to dislodge David de Gea this term with the Spaniard rediscovering his best form.
Henderson's frustration over a lack of action means a temporary move is the best solution for all parties - although the 24-year-old could choose to seek a permanent exit instead.
And it seems as though United have earmarked Meslier as a potential replacement for Henderson if he does leave the club on a permanent basis.
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According to The Daily Mail, United have identified the Leeds ace as 'the best young keeper in the country'.
United's goalkeeping scout Tony Coton made the trip to make a personal check on the Frenchman during their midweek drubbing by Manchester City - a game that saw Meslier beaten a staggering seven times.
United chief scout Jim Lawlor has also made checks on Meslier ahead of a potential move.
Despite his nightmare audition in front of Coton, the 21-year-old has impressed over the past 18 months since Leeds returned to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa.
Despite being brought in as an understudy to former Real Madrid goalkeeper Kiko Casilla, Meslier quickly made the number one spot at Elland Road his own after being given the chance at the tail end of the Whites promotion season back in 2020.
The youngster was rewarded with a bumper new five-year deal back in August after a stunning debut season in the top flight last year.
But that hasn't deterred United's interest - with the Old Trafford hierarchy seemingly sweet on a future move for one of their bitter rival's most pivotal performers.
Any move for Meslier is likely to be reactive rather than proactive and hinges on changes at United in the goalkeeping department over the next 12 months.
Henderson is expected to seal a temporary exit in the New Year, with a host of clubs reportedly hoping to strike an 18-month loan deal for the England shot-stopper.
Although United hope a long-term loan will appease Henderson for now, The Mail previously outlined Henderson's desire to quit Old Trafford for good at the end of the season if he failed to reclaim the number one spot back from de Gea.
That doesn't look likely given the Spaniard's stunning form this season.
But even de Gea's future isn't necessarily straightforward.
The 31-year-old has just 18 months remaining on his current deal. Although there is an option for an extra year, de Gea has been persistently pursued by Real Madrid in the past - and his form could attract suitors once again.
