"I can’t see" - Pundit makes Illan Meslier claim as Man Utd and Arsenal eye Leeds United star | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer discussed Manchester United's interest in Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier

Carlton Palmer believes that Illan Meslier will remain a Leeds United player in January, despite transfer interest from Premier League side Manchester United.

Meslier is out of contract at Elland Road in the summer of 2026 and Leeds will have to make a decision in the near future about whether to sell him or not if he doesn't sign fresh terms in the coming months, with the Frenchman reportedly attracting interest from Premier League sides.

The likes of Arsenal and Manchester United are keen on the 24-year-old, according to Alan Nixon's Patreon, who has been at Leeds since the summer of 2020 ahead of their first campaign in the Premier League after winning the 2019/20 Championship title.

Despite coming under fire from Leeds supporters at times this season, Palmer believes that Meslier is an "outstanding" goalkeeper, and that Daniel Farke won't want to sell him given their position in the Championship table.

Carlton Palmer on Manchester United's transfer interest in Illan Meslier

Palmer, who won 18 caps for England and played for Leeds United between 1994 and 1997, believes that Leeds will want to tie the Frenchman down to a new contract, but whether they are able to will depend on whether they win promotion to the Premier League.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer said: "Several clubs are keeping tabs on Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

"He’s been in outstanding form for Leeds United this season as they sit in second place in the Championship table. A lot of Premier League clubs are monitoring the situation.

“Illan is under contract until the summer of 2026, so it’s a big season and I can’t see Leeds not offering him a new contract, but the only problem for Illan is that he’ll want to play at a higher level, in the Premier League or the Champions League or whatever.

"A lot will depend on whether Leeds United get back to the Premier League and I can’t see Leeds selling him in the January transfer window, certainly not with the way they’re going, looking to get automatic promotion.

"Illan has already said that he’s happy, he’s settled at Leeds United, and he’s been outstanding for them, so I can’t see Illan going to even the likes of Manchester United or Arsenal, who are keeping tabs on the situation and he’s not going to go and sit on the bench for one of those clubs when he’s been a regular for Leeds United.

"The French international is an outstanding young goalkeeper coming into his prime at 25, so of course, contract talks will happen when the future of Leeds United is sorted.

“If Leeds United get promoted then I think Illan will be offered a new contract and they’ll be in the Premier League, but I cannot see Leeds United selling him in the January transfer window.”

Leeds United should be tempted to sell Illan Meslier if the price is right

Meslier hasn't always been the most reliable of goalkeepers for Leeds, and he's made a couple of big mistakes this season which have cost his side points, not an ideal situation for a team chasing promotion.

If the likes of Manchester United or Arsenal come in with big bids for the Frenchman, then cashing in on him could be a positive if the money was reinvested well on another goalkeeper and other players in key positions.

The 24-year-old is still young, especially for a goalkeeper, but he has been at Leeds for four years now and some supporters still aren't convinced by him.

Leeds United and Manchester United are massive rivals, which could be a sticking point when it comes to completing a transfer, but if they're willing to pay the money that Leeds want then it would be silly not to sell to them.

You feel that Meslier is probably the weak link in Leeds' team, and if they sold him for a considerable fee they could definitely upgrade on him.

Selling him would be a risk in the January transfer window, but there's no guarantee he'll sign a new deal in the future and they could be forced to sell for a cut-price, or even risk losing him on a free.