Leeds United 'identify' Illan Meslier replacement as Burnley contract offer left unanswered

Sunderland will now be kicking on with their preparations for the new season now that a new boss has been found. Regis Le Bris will face big expectations this season, much like his predecessors, and he will know the importance of hitting the ground running to avoid pressure building early on.

The Black Cats already have a strong squad, and one that should be competing for a play-off spot, but they will still want to add more quality across the course of this summer as Le Bris looks to put his own stamp on the squad. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news surrounding the rest of the Championship clubs.

Leeds ‘identify’ Meslier replacement

Leeds are already said to have identified a possible replacement from Illan Meslier amid reported interest from France. It has been claimed that French giants Marseille are seeking a deal for the Whites keeper, with a fee of around £20million demanded.

Amid those links, the Daily Mail have reported that Fulham keeper Marek Rodak is an option for Daniel Farke if he loses his starting goalkeeper. Though, number two Karl Darlow will want a chance to prove his worth having seen little action during his first season at Elland Road. Rodak has made 70 league appearances for Fulham in 10 years, completing four loan spells in all, though he has been a number two at Craven Cottage over recent years. He is currently with Slovakia at Euro 2024.

Taylor nears exit

Burnley face losing long-serving defender Charlie Taylor this summer. The left-back is out of contract at the end of this week and still hasn’t penned new terms. That’s despite the fact the Clarets have offered him a new deal.

There have been claims that Taylor could return to the Premier League with Southampton, while he has previously been linked with Leeds United. Meanwhile, Burnley will be sweating over Taylor’s situation, with the defender set to be a free agent from Monday.

Palmer makes Coventry claim

Coventry City have been backed to take advantage of the stability at the club and make a strong bid for promotion this coming season. Carlton Palmer told Football League World: “Coventry City are in a really good position for this season, it’s a luxury that Mark Robins has not had for some time.

“There’s some stability in the boardroom with the owners, he’s not had to sell players in the summer that he hasn’t wanted to sell. Previously with players like Viktor Gyokeres and Gus Hamer, it’s been out of his control as to whether these players will be staying at the football club or not, so he’s not rebuilding.

“One player that has taken a lot of interest and people are looking at is Ben Sheaf, but Coventry have stood firm and said that if they don’t get the money they want then he’s not going anywhere. So I’m saying if Coventry City are able to hold on to their players - which they will do, they’ll hold on to the majority of their players - and they can keep the likes of Ben Sheaf, then I believe they can make the play-offs or better.”