Good Morning. It's Thursday 4th March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Hay confirms interest in Brest left back
Romain Perraud, seen as many as being the best left back in French football continuous to be linked to a Summer move to Elland Road. News broke earlier last month when Phil Hay revealed that the 23 year old is high on Marcelo Bielsa's wanted list! The French man who represented his Country at every stage from U17- U20 started his career at Nice before joining Brest in the Summer of 2019.
Marseille and Lyon are also keen on Perraud, though Leeds may have the advantage as the lure of the Premiership is more enticing than Ligue 1. In a recent interview, when asked about his future Perraud told French website Made In Foot...
It means that the work I’m doing is recognised. “But interests are interests, I know what it is in football and that means everything and nothing I don’t dwell on that too much, I have a contract with Brest, I’m fine here and then we’ll see what happens next.
Whelan heaps praise on Gelhardt
Ex Leeds striker Noel Whelan believes Joe Gelhardt could be in line for his first team debut after impressing for Mark Jackson's U23's this season. The 18 year old, signed from Wigan last Summer at the cut down price of £1m due to their financial predicament has also been described as a young Wayne Rooney by the former Leeds, Coventry and Boro forward.
He reminds me – I don’t want to say the same level as Rooney – but he is the same kind of build as Rooney was. A stocky lad, great finisher. That is some praise, absolutely. This is why we brought him into the football club.
I think it will be very soon that he’ll get his first opportunity. I think he’ll be putting pressure on Tyler Roberts. “Rodrigo is still not back to 100% fitness so maybe he deserves an opportunity in that role.
He’s a great one for the future. I hear only good things from fans about how exciting he is and how good he is on the ball and his eye for goal. That’s all the characteristics of Wayne Rooney. But that is a big name to assess himself against right now. Now, he just needs to establish himself in this Leeds United side.
Should Leeds tie Meslier down to long term contract?
Illan Meslier has enjoyed a roller coaster of a time since joining Leeds (initially on loan) in the Summer of 2019. A year later, the 6 ft 6' French youth International signed a permanent three year contact with the Whites for a fee, already agreed at £5m. Since then, the former L'Orient shot stopper has taken the No 1 jersey off Kiko Casilla, and in his first season in the Premiership, has made the second highest amount of saves in the top flight.
Obviously, for a keeper that has just turned 21 (this week), he has an incredible amount of potential. This would not have gone unnoticed by other top European clubs. With just over two years remaining, should Leeds be looking to tie Meslier down to a long term deal. Recently, his agent Xavier Fleury has been talking about his client to the Leeds Utd Fan Zone Podcast zone, and had this to say...
Illan is starting at Leeds. He loves the club. Perhaps in one, two seasons, if you have a club like Real Madrid that knock on the door – who knows? If Leeds keep the manager and Orta, the president could be right – they could be in the Champions League.
If Leeds are in the Champions League, Illan can win a title with Leeds – winning a title with Leeds is more beautiful than with Juventus, Real Madrid or Bayern. Right now, it would be a bad idea to join a big club, and sit on the bench.