The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 6th June) Talks underway with Pope's agent
Talks underway with Pope's agent
Illan Meslier's time at Elland Road is coming to an end. Reports suggest that Montpellier and his former club, FC Lorient, are closely monitoring the situation of the former French U21 international. After a series of high-profile errors that ultimately led to him being dropped from the starting lineup, a move away from Leeds United this summer seems increasingly likely.
Meslier's contract, along with those of fellow goalkeepers Karl Darlow and Alex Cairns, have only twelve months remaining. This urgency places significant pressure on the Whites to secure a reliable shot-stopper during this summer. The club can't afford to be caught short between the posts.
Adding fuel to the fire is the persistent rumor linking Newcastle United's Nick Pope with a move to Elland Road. The Magpies are reportedly on the verge of completing the signing of James Trafford for a substantial £30 million. Consequently, they'll be looking to offload Pope to alleviate the financial strain.
While initial reports indicated Pope's willingness to fight for his place at Newcastle, fresh information suggests that Leeds United are in talks with his representatives. The potential contract offer is rumored to be around £60,000 per week. Considering that Karl Darlow currently earns £30,000 a week while primarily warming the bench, this represents a significant investment for the Whites, but potentially a worthwhile one if Pope can recapture his best form.
Scramble for Millwall star following release clause rumour
Leeds United, Sunderland, and Burnley are reportedly locked in a three-way battle to secure the signature of Millwall's coveted Player of the Season, Japhet Tanganga. The former Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate has become a cornerstone of the Lions' defense since his arrival, initially on loan, eighteen months ago. His consistently strong performances culminated in him being named the Millwall Supporters' Club Player of the Season, highlighting the significant impact he's made at the club.
Tanganga featured in an impressive 40 Championship matches this season, showcasing his reliability and contributing two crucial goals, including the match-winner in a 1-0 victory against Leeds. Beyond his defensive prowess, his versatility is a major draw. Comfortable operating both as a centre-back and as a wing-back, he offers valuable flexibility to any squad.
However, Millwall faces a significant hurdle in their efforts to retain the talented defender. A reported £1.2 million release clause exists within his contract, specifically applicable to Premier League clubs. This clause effectively prevents any other Championship club from entering the fray, leaving Millwall to hope that Tanganga's loyalty outweighs the allure of playing in the top flight.
For Leeds, who are aiming to rebuild after their promotion near-miss, securing Tanganga for such a low fee would represent astute business. With potentially limited funds available for squad strengthening, acquiring a proven and versatile defender at £1.2 million could mean that big money transfers can be secured elsewhere.