Leeds United urged to take Illan Meslier action by pundit as links to Liverpool's Caomhín Kelleher emerge | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has told FLW his verdict on the situation surrounding Leeds United's interest in Caomhín Kelleher

Carlton Palmer believes that Leeds United should be looking to tie down Illan Meslier instead of pursuing a possible replacement amid links to Liverpool’s Caoimhín Kelleher.

According to Teamtalk, the Whites view the Irishman as a potential replacement for Meslier as their first-choice between the sticks.

Meslier has been the subject of transfer speculation himself, with the 24-year-old being linked with a move to Arsenal.

Kelleher has been second choice behind Alisson Becker at Anfield, but has still made eight league appearances so far this season.

Carlton Palmer delivers Kelleher verdict

Palmer believes that Kelleher would be a great signing for Leeds if they were able to convince him to join, amid reports of competition from Champions League sides.

However, he praised Meslier’s performances for the Yorkshire outfit amid this speculation over his future.

“Leeds United have been linked with a stunning move for Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Keller, but are reported to be facing competition from Champions League sides,” Palmer told Football League World.

“This would be a real coup for Leeds United.

“This surrounds all the issues around their number goalkeeper Illan Meslier, the 24-year-old French international has basically been their number one goalkeeper for five years at Elland Road.

“He’s believed to be happy there, but there are rumours circulating that he might look to move on to Champions League football.

“It was believed that Leeds United signed Karl Darlow from Newcastle believing that he would take over the number one spot from Meslier, but he hasn’t.

“Illan’s remained the number one goalkeeper, he’s had seven clean sheets in his last nine games.”

Palmer makes Meslier future claim

While Palmer believes that Kelleher would be a great signing, he has urged Leeds to tie down Meslier to ensure he stays at Elland Road.

“He says he’s happy there, but obviously Leeds United are always looking ahead,” he added.

“If Illan decides to move on, they’re looking at who else they could bring in, but even if Leeds were to get promoted back to the Premier League it’s believed that Kelleher would be looking for Champions League football.

“I believe Meslier has been an outstanding goalkeeper for the football club, he’s only 24-years-of-age, if they get back to the Premier League he’s had all that experience now.

“I think they should be tying the goalkeeper down.

“Goalkeepers, we all make mistakes, and that’s part of the job with goalkeeping, as we know in the game against Sunderland when he cost Leeds United valuable points.

“But, as I’ve said, they’re second in the league, they’re going well, he’s keeping clean sheets, there’s no need to bring another goalkeeper in.

“But, if somebody like Kelleher did become available, of course you’d be interested in him.”

Kelleher would be an upgrade on Meslier

Signing Kelleher will only be possible if Leeds are back in the Premier League next season, so any movement will have to wait until the summer.

But if the club gets a chance to make a move for Kelleher, then they should make sure it happens because he would be an improvement between the sticks.

Kelleher has performed well at the very highest level for Liverpool, proving himself as a great shot-stopper and very capable at playing with the ball, commanding his box and all the things a modern keeper needs to be.

Meanwhile, Meslier remains error-prone and his performances in the top flight were ultimately costly to Leeds, so this opportunity to improve on him is one they should take if it arises.