The agent of Leeds United's on-loan goalkeeper Illan Meslier has hit back at comments from the manager of the 19-year-old's parent club, Lorient, about his move to Elland Road.

Meslier joined Leeds on a season-long loan from the French second division side on the final day of the summer transfer window, although he has yet to make an appearance for the Yorkshire club's first-team, with Kiko Casilla retaining the number one spot in Marcelo Bielsa's side.

Speaking recently about Meslier's move to Leeds, Lorient manager Christophe Pelissier had suggested that Meslier had taken the easy way out of having to compete for his place with the French club, telling Le Telegramme that he had been 'surprised and disappointed' by Meslier's decision to join the Championship side.

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Now however, Meslier's agent, Yvon Pouliguen, has responded strongly to Pelissier's comments about the 19-year-old, claiming that the goalkeeper had instead added to the challenge he was facing this season by moving to Leeds.

While again speaking to Le Telegramme, Pouliguen was quoted as saying: “Illan was warned 48 hours before the start of the championship that he would be No. 2 this season (at Lorient).

“He did not choose to find a way around the difficulty, but on the contrary to increase it, by choosing to respond favourably to Leeds and Marcelo Bielsa."

Indeed, Pouliguen went onto to suggest that the move could even benefit Lorient, as he added: “He continues his progression alongside a very good goalkeeping coach and a Spanish goalkeeper… And do not forget that he still belongs to FC Lorient!”

Last season, Meslier made 30 appearances in all competitions for Lorient, in what was his debut season with the club's senior side, who are currently top of Ligue 2 - five points clear of the play-off places - after ten games of the season.

There are currently three years remaining on Meslier's contract at Lorient, although it was revealed by the French side when the loan was confirmed, that Leeds do have the option to make the goalkeeper's move permanent next summer.

The Verdict

I can understand what Meslier's agent is saying here.

The opportunity to move to a club such as Leeds will have surely been an exciting one for Meslier, and it does seem as though he is feeling the benefits of that, based on his agent's comments.

Even so, these claims may not exactly go down well with Pelissier, meaning that option to buy may come in handy for all concerned.

If Pelissier does indeed guide Lorient to promotion this season, it is unlikely he will be going anywhere anytime soon, which, based on his comments, may not bode well for Meslier's chances of a return to the club next summer.

Judging by Meslier's impressive performances for Leeds' Under 23s side however, you don't imagine they will be too disappointed about keeping him at the club as an alternative for Casilla.