Exclusive: Don Goodman reacts to Illan Meslier update involving Leicester City and Leeds United | OneFootball

Don Goodman exclusively gives FLW his verdict on how a potential move to Leicester could play out for Illan Meslier

Leicester City's goalkeeping situation has taken a twist following reports that the Foxes are eyeing Leeds United's Illan Meslier should Mads Hermansen complete a mooted switch to West Ham.

Hermansen produced 103 saves from 161 shots during Leicester's torrid top-flight campaign last season, even equaling a Premier League record with 13 saves against Arsenal.

Yet West Ham's pursuit, backed by new goalkeeping coach Casper Ankergren and a potential £35m fee, is reportedly intensifying - with the Hammers set to make an approach, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Meslier, 25, boasts over 100 Premier League appearances for Leeds, but Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Whites have agreed a deal to sign Lucas Perri from Olympique Lyonnais - which ultimately leaves Meslier surplus to requirements.

As a likely ripple-effect of these transfers, it has been reported by Ben Jacobs that Leicester have shown interest in bringing Illan Meslier to the East Midlands.

Leicester City transfer could bode well for Illan Meslier

Sky Sports pundit, Don Goodman, has exclusively given FLW his verdict on how a potential move to Leicester could play out for Illan Meslier. "It’s an interesting one," Goodman told FLW.

"I think obviously if you could get the absolute best version of Illan Meslier then that would be good, but obviously he’s on the back of a very difficult season where, ultimately, Daniel Farke - who is extremely loyal to players but particularly goalkeepers - felt the need to replace Illan Meslier towards the end of last season," he added.

Dropped in April after a series of high-profile errors in place of Karl Darlow, the Frenchman finished with 27 goals conceded in 39 Championship games - finding himself benched for Leeds' final promotion push.

"There were just too many errors that were costing Leeds United points so it’ll be an interesting one, as I said sometimes goalkeepers can have seasons where they’re not quite at their best," Goodman continued.

Illan Meslier has the ability to bounce back with Leicester City

Goodman's reservation hinges on those lapses of concentration - Farke revealed Meslier was "in tears" after that howler against Sunderland - but he also notes the Frenchman's potential to rebound.

"James Trafford is a perfect example of that, in the Premier League struggled with Burnley - ultimately got left out - and then bounced back last season and broke all manor of records and became a very much sought after goalkeeper by clubs higher up the food chain than Burnley," he said.

Despite having a rough 24/25 campaign, Meslier does hold the Premier League record for the youngest goalkeeper to keep 10 clean sheets - and has twice been promoted from the Championship.

"So, goalkeepers can turn it round, and hopefully Illan Meslier, wherever he goes, if he goes, will be one of those goalkeepers," Goodman concluded.

Leicester have also reportedly held talks with free agent Asmir Begovic, which comes after the Foxes were charged with an alleged breach of the EFL's financial rules - so it's perhaps uncertain about whether they would be able to pay a fee for Meslier.

Begovic most recently played in the Championship with QPR, where he played 45 times in the league and kept 13 clean sheets.

Ultimately, Goodman frames the chase as a calculated gamble. Meslier has the potential to be a great replacement if Hermansen is to depart, but only if Leicester are able to get the best version of the Frenchman.

Given West Ham's firm interest in the Dane and Meslier's possibly reduced valuation - going off the back-end of last season - the Foxes may feel the upside outweighs the risk.