In the end, Marcelo Bielsa opted for young Norwegian Kristoffer Klaesson, and now that his move to England has been wrapped up, the stopper has made it clear just how excited he is to get started.
Speaking to LUTV, he said: “I know a couple of them [Norwegians who have played for the Whites] and Leeds has a huge fan base in Norway. It is fun for them and for me to finally be here. It’s a big step from Valerenga where I was before.
“But I feel like it is the right step and I can develop here and one day maybe play in the Premier League for Leeds.
“The coaching staff here are brilliant with the goalkeeping coach and Marcelo and everyone.
“I think I can develop a lot here over the years. Hopefully I will progress with Illan and Marcos (Abad) and the coaches here and hopefully I will play here one day.
“Of course my aim is to push him [Meslier] as hard as I can and to make him play his best all the time.
“For me it’s to develop and maybe one day get the chance to play.”
Klaesson added: “I’ve watched a bit of them play. It’s fun football. They like to play and it’s going to be fun. It’s a different style of play but I am ready for it.”
We’ve gathered the best of today’s Premier League speculation below…
1. Toon favourites for Cahill
Newcastle United have emerged as favourites to sign former Champions League winner Gary Cahill. (SkyBet) (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images) Photo: Henry Browne
2. Albion still want Cucurella
Brighton are still interested in Getafe left-wing back Marc Cucurella who is currently playing for Spain at the Olympics in Tokyo. (Sky Sports) (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images) Photo: Masashi Hara
3. Toon in for Kamara
Newcastle United have launched their bid for Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara. The 21-year old has one year left on contract and Newcastle are hoping to prise him away from his boyhood club for around £10million. (Daily Mail) (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Caparros
4. New deal for Webster
Adam Webster has agreed terms on a new Brighton contract, complete with pay rise. (Various) (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) Photo: Mike Hewitt
5. Burnley make Doig approach
Burnley are understood to have made an approach for Hibernian defender Josh Doig — with Easter Road head coach Jack Ross braced for losing the highly-rated teenager in the coming days. (Edinburgh Evening News) (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Photo: Ian MacNicol
6. Hammers close in on Pereira
West Ham United are closing in on a deal for West Bromwich Albion attacking midfielder Matheus Pereira. (Ekrem Konur) (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) Photo: Michael Steele