'Why wouldn’t you?' - TalkSPORT man implores 49ers and Radz to seal 'perfect' Leeds deal

Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills has backed goalkeeper Illan Meslier to earn a new contract at Elland Road this summer. 

Signed from Ligue 1 outfit Lorient in 2020, Meslier was rewarded for a fine start to a career in England with a new deal until 2026 soon after his arrival.

The four-cap France Under 21 international has kept 25 clean sheets in 84 outings for the club and already looks to have made the number one spot his own for many years to come.

After new manager Jesse Marsch predicted that the 22-year-old stopper had a ‘big future’ ahead of him, one former Elland Road favourite urged the club to further extend the French youngster’s stay…

Speaking to Football Insider, the full-back who made 139 appearances for Leeds before moving into punditry work with talkSPORT has had his say on Meslier’s future.

“He’s a good young goalkeeper. He’s clearly improving all the time. There’s no thought of replacing him whatsoever.

“If you give him a longer-term contract he retains his value too. Extending it by a year or two, why wouldn’t you? That makes perfect sense.

“With his age profile and the ability that he’s got, without a doubt extend his deal.”

Already a high-quality operator despite his tender years, Leeds would be wise to tie down Meslier for as long as possible in order to stave off potential suitors as Jesse Marsch looks to build a squad around key players.

So far this season the French starlet has earned an impressive 6.89 rating whilst making 3.7 saves on average per game from 34 Premier League appearances (Sofascore).

Described as being ‘cool under pressure’ by journalist Graham Smyth following a standout display against Leicester City, Meslier has previously been indexed with a move to Manchester United and