Illan Meslier;Leeds United board announces terminating goalkeepers contract this summer

Eight more points. That is the maximum number of points that Leeds United need from their last four matches to guarantee their place in the Premier League next season, although seven would likely be enough due to their superior goal difference.

The Whites are five points clear of Sheffield United, who still have Burnley to play, in the Championship and are closing in on an automatic promotion place.

Daniel Farke’s side took another step towards promotion with their 2-1 win over Preston North End at Elland Road on Saturday, thanks to goals from Manor Solomon and Jayden Bogle.

With promotion on the horizon, the powers that be will be assessing the squad and preparing to build a team that can compete in the Premier League, and one player who must be kept is Ao Tanaka.

Why Leeds must keep Ao Tanaka

The Japan international, who joined from Fortuna Dusseldorf last summer, has been an exceptional performer in the Championship this season and should remain a key player next term.

Tanaka has shown his quality on the ball, with four goals and a pass completion rate of 90%, in midfield to control and dictate matches for the Whites.

He has also provided defensive strength, with 3.6 tackles and interceptions per game and a duel success rate of 56%, to protect his own goal.

Per Capology, Tanaka currently earns £25k-per-week and has offered fantastic value for money in midfield when you consider that Illan Meslier is on £30k-per-week, and the French dud must never play for the club again.

Why Illan Meslier must never play for Leeds again

The 25-year-old flop was finally dropped by Farke after his third error that directly led to a goal this season against Swansea in a 2-2 draw last month, after pundit Jeff Stelling claimed that the player’s “confidence is shot” as a result of his mistakes.