Managing Leeds United – Illan Meslier solution and final Sean Longstaff transfer decision..
The latest Leeds United transfer news and opinion as Daniel Farke’s side prepare to face Manchester United in Stockholm..
A long, drawn-out pursuit of Sean Longstaff could be resolved this week, with the club’s owners, the 49ers group, having seen three bids already rejected for the Newcastle United man.
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There’s also a huge pre-season clash with Manchester United on the horizon, while Mateo Joseph’s future continues to be a hot topic. With that in mind, LeedsLive has taken a look at some of the things we would do if we were in charge of the Whites.
Goalkeeper situation sorted
I know these things are easier said than done, but it now looks clearer than ever that Illan Meslier doesn’t have the trust of Daniel Farke after his antics last season in the Championship.
Leeds have been linked with at least six new additions in between the sticks. Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic is a big target but appears to be waiting for Napoli to make a move.
A fee of around £19 million has been bandied about as the required amount for the 29-year-old.
The situation needs resolving with immediate effect and given Lucas Perri is now set to stay at Lyon too, all things could come to a head in the next seven days.
Final decision required on Longstaff
It’s clear Longstaff has value at St. James’ Park still, given his ‘academy’ status and the fact Newcastle are worried selling him could come back to bite them.
But after three bids, Leeds must make a final decision or else they risk missing out on other key targets in midfield. Ao Tanaka needs a new midfielder partner, and we do feel Longstaff would make a pretty good pivot.
Newcastle are holding firm in their valuation of Longstaff of around £12m, but whether the Whites push on all depends on how much value they feel the 27-year-old has.
Manchester United prep underway
With just under a week now until Leeds face old foes Manchester United in Stockholm, facing a side who dangled so precariously above the Premier League’s relegation zone last season could be a welcome test.
It remains to be seen just who travels to Sweden for the clash, but with a huge season ahead, we can expect plenty of faces to stake a claim across pre-season.
The situation surrounding Harry Gray throws up plenty of intrigue and it would be good to see how he fares across the summer.
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