Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur 'keen' to sign key Leeds United man as Whites youngster set to be rewarded with new contract - reports
The Premier League break for the World Cup in Qatar ends on Boxing Day, with a host of sides returning to action the day after Christmas. Leeds will welcome the reigning champions to Elland Road for an 8pm kick-off, with Pep Guardiola’s side back in action against Liverpool on December 22 in the Carabao Cup.
The January transfer window opens on New Year’s Day and with Leeds linked with a number of players ahead of the trading, we have rounded up the latest rumours from Elland Road.
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur ‘competing’ to sign Leeds United star
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Hide AdPer a report from HITC, who reference the Si & Dan Talk Chelsea podcast, London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are keen to sign Leeds United’s number one goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
The Frenchman has made 87 top-flight appearances for the Whites, keeping 18 clean sheets. He first joined Leeds on loan during their promotion-winning season in 2019-20 – keeping seven clean sheets in 10 games and conceding just four goals.
Spurs are searching for a long-term replacement for 36-year-old Hugo Lloris, with Meslier one of a handful of names reportedly on the radar at the Tottenhan Hotspur Stadium. Lloris is contract to Spurs until the summer of 2024.
Chelsea’s link to Meslier is somewhat of a surprise given £72m-signing Kepa Arrizabalaga and Senegal international Édouard Mendy competing for the number one spot at Stamford Bridge.
Leeds to hand new contract to Mateo Joseph
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Hide AdLeeds are preparing to offer 19-year-old striker Mateo Joseph a new contract following his Premier League debut against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month, according to the Sun.
The Spaniard joined Leeds in January on a three-and-a-half year deal but the Whites are reportedly set to increase that by another year while upping the player’s wages. Joseph scored one goal in seven Premier League 2 appearances last season but has been in stunning form in the competition this term.
He has netted 11 times in just games while providing one assist in Division 2 of Premier League 2 with the Leeds Under-21s six points clear at the top of the division after eight wins and one draw from nine games.