Chelsea and Newcastle in huge Illan Meslier transfer fight as Leeds battle to keep hold of star goalkeeper

CHELSEA and Newcastle are both interested in signing Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier, according to reports.

The Frenchman has impressed for Jesse Marsch’s side, becoming the youngest goalkeeper ever to reach 50 Prem appearances.

The TimesIllan Meslier has made 105 appearances for Leeds[/caption]

At 22 he has already clocked up 105 appearances for Leeds in all competitions.

But the Whites could soon face a battle to keep hold of the France youth international.

According to French outlet RMC Sport, Chelsea and Newcastle both hold interest in the young stopper.

The Blues have switched No1s this season, with Kepa Arrizabalaga reclaiming first choice status over Edouard Mendy.

Mendy, 30, snubbed a new six-year contract over the salary offered – which did not rival Kepa’s.

Newcastle, meanwhile, signed England international Nick Pope from Burnley last summer.

The Magpies boast the best defensive record in the league, having conceded just 11 times in 18 Prem matches so far.

Meslier impressed against Newcastle on Saturday, keeping a clean sheet in his side’s 0-0 draw at St James’ Park.

He is also attracting interest from Bayern Munich.

The Bundesliga giants could enter the market for a goalkeeper, after Manuel Neuer suffered a season-ending injury while skiing on holiday.

A transfer could boost Meslier’s prospects of breaking into the France senior team.

He has so far never received a call-up, but has earned nine caps at Under-21 level.

Hugo Lloris, 36, Steve Mandanda, 37, and Alphonse Areola, 29, were Didier Deschamps’ goalkeepers in Qatar.