Leeds United reportedly have a deadline to meet in May if they're to make Illan Meslier's loan deal a permanent one according to Football Insider.
The young goalkeeper has struggled for consistent game time with the Whites first-team this season, but has been a reliable option to have in the squad when called upon.
With Kiko Casilla being found guilty of using racist language towards Jonathan Leko earlier this season, Meslier has started Leeds' last two league games, and kept a clean-sheet in both as the Yorkshire-based side moved to the top of the Championship table.
Football Insider have previously reported that there is an option for Leeds to sign Meslier permanently ahead of the summer for a fee believed to be in the region of £5million.
However, they will lose that option in his contract if they don't activate the clause before mid-May, so they can't afford to waste time with any potential negotiations.
It is thought that Meslier is keen to extend his stay at Elland Road, with it recently being revealed that the shot-stopper is happy with life working under the management of Marcelo Bielsa.
Due to recent events, Leeds aren't due back in action until the 2nd May when they're due to take on relegation-threatened Charlton Athletic.
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The Verdict:
You would imagine that they'll active this clause sooner rather than later.
Meslier has hardly put a foot wrong in the appearances he has made for Leeds' first team this season, and I think he'd be more than deserving of a permanent deal with Marcelo Bielsa's men.
He's still a young talent though, and will have to remain patient if they're to win promotion into the Premier League this term, as I think Bielsa will stick with Kiko Casilla as his first choice goalkeeper.
But Meslier has been patient this season, and has performed to a high standard when called upon by the Leeds boss.
He's got age on his side as well, and it should be a no-brainer for Leeds to make his loan deal a permanent one in the near future.