Meslier wants to quit; Piroe chase update

Football FanCast updates you with all the latest Leeds United transfer news and gossip, ahead of the fast-approaching Championship campaign beginning this weekend.

Newly appointed manager Daniel Farke will be eager to reinforce his squad after seeing 11 first-team players depart, with only two incomings thus far.

Much of the departures have left on loan deals, which has significantly limited the finances available to Farke. Rodrigo commanded the largest fee after Al-Rayyan triggered his £3m release clause.

Tuesday 1st August

Meslier wants to quit Leeds

Football Insider: Whites goalkeeper Illan Meslier reportedly wants to quit Leeds United.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed the goalkeeper wants to depart Elland Road this summer but no offers have been made. He looks set to be involved in the matchday squad this weekend against Cardiff City.

The West Yorkshire club announced the signing of Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow last week, with the 32-year-old expected to challenge Meslier for the No 1 spot.

Leeds view the 23-year-old as a sellable asset as they seek to raise funds to bring in some signings of their own, with Max Wober the latest player to depart.

The Whites have slapped a £20-25m price tag on the Frenchman, which is a significant reduction from their previous valuation of £40m.

Meslier lost his place to Joel Robles in the starting lineup towards the end of last season following a number of costly errors leading to goals.

Leeds must pay £20m for Piroe

Football Insider: Leeds have been told a fee between £15-20m will be accepted for Swansea City striker Joël Piroe.

Leeds, however, aren’t the only Championship outfit interested in signing the 23-year-old. Southampton and Leicester City are also admirers and could rival the Whites for his signature.

Piroe has notched 41 Championship goals in his last two seasons, making him one of the division’s most prolific goalscorers.

The Dutchman has 12 months left on his contract at the Swans, but the Welsh club are in ‘no rush’ to sell him. In fact, Wales Online writer Tom Coleman claims Piroe is ‘set to stay’.

Whether that turns out to be a negotiation tactic, time will tell…

Wednesday 26th July

Leeds advance in deal for Kamara

Football Insider: Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara is edging closer to a move to Leeds United.

Leeds are nearing a £5m deal to land the 27-year-old, who is thought to be on the radar of up to 10 Championship clubs.

Kamara played a key role during the Light Blues’ Europa League run in the 2021/22 season, which saw them eventually defeated in the final by German outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 52-cap Finland international made 35 appearances last term but saw his minutes limited by Michael Beale towards the end of the campaign, subsequently alerting the West Yorkshire club to a potential deal.

Friday 14th July

Leeds expect Gnonto departure

Football Insider: Leeds United are expecting winger Wilfried Gnonto to leave the club this summer.

Aston Villa, Everton and Crystal Palace have all made enquiries but no formal offers have been tabled thus far for the 12-cap Italy international.

The 19-year-old heavily impressed in his debut campaign at Elland Road after arriving in a £3.8m deal from Swiss side FC Zürich

last September.

Gnonto, despite only starting 14 league games, registered six goal contributions last term and was Leeds’ shining light in a rather miserable campaign, which saw them relegated to the Championship, ending a three-year stay in the Premier League.