Leeds United 'identify Illan Meslier replacement' as 'brutal' transfer prediction made

The next two months look set to be an intriguing period at Elland Road as Leeds United attempt to build their squad for the new Championship season. The Whites can expect to lose one or two of last season's star names with clubs lining up for the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Archie Gray this summer.

But supporters will see fresh faces arriving at the club as Leeds attempt to force their way back into the Premier League this season. Who Leeds will sign remains to be seen, but the rumour mill is now in full swing. With that in mind, here's a round-up of the latest Leeds United news.

Rodak linked

Leeds United reportedly see Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak as a potential option this summer, should they need to replace Illan Meslier. Meslier has been linked with a move to Marseille with Leeds set to demand a fee of around £20m for the Frenchman.

Meslier is the club's clear first choice goalkeeper and kept 21 clean sheets last season with his record in the Championship landing him the league's golden glove award. As such, he would be hard to replace should Marseille's interest develop into an approach, but Rodak is seen as someone who could fill Meslier's shoes between the sticks, according to the Daily Mail.

The Slovakian is approaching the end of his contract at Craven Cottage and will be available on a free transfer come Monday. He is currently away at Euro 2024, but hasn't played a minute due to Martin Dubravka's dominance between the sticks at international level.

Rodak has been with Fulham since 2013, joining the club as a teenager and progressing to become a valued member of the first-team in west London. Since making his debut in 2017, he has made 102 appearances for the club, including five last season, with another 129 outings coming while out on loan at the likes of Rotherham United, Accrington Stanley and Welling United.

'Brutal' prediction made

Former Aston Villa and Everton man Keith Wyness is predicting Leeds United to have a difficult summer, with a host of players tipped to leave the club. The likes of Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray, Meslier and Wilfried Gnonto are said to be attracting interest and with Leeds needing to balance the books, the likelihood is that players could be sold.

Wyness is tipping more than one or two to be sold, though, and he believes Leeds' situation could put pressure on the club.

"Mass exodus would be an exaggeration, but certainly there could be four or five exits,” Wyness told Football Insider. “It’s a big number and it will be a blow to the quality of the squad.

“We’ll have to watch Leeds very carefully. It’s going to be a tough window. I expect a lot of clubs to wait until the last minute, and that’s when a lot of pressure will be put on Leeds.

“These clubs know the numbers are difficult. This is when a chief executive and board members earn their crust, dealing with the players and their agents.

“It’s going to be brutal. I hope it happens in an orderly fashion and they get the offers they want, but I’ve got a funny feeling it could be a chaotic summer at Elland Road.”