Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has been reacting to the club’s reported interest in Ben Foster.
The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Foster
The Whites are looking at bringing in an experienced goalkeeper this summer to provide backup to Illan Meslier and Kristoffer Klaesson. The former will remain first-choice heading into Jesse Marsch’s first full season at Elland Road.
Leeds have reportedly held in-house talks about signing Foster, who will officially become a free agent in a matter of days when his Watford contract expires.
The Latest: Robinson reacts
Robinson, who contributes as a pundit for Sky Sports, was talking to MOT Leeds News regarding Leeds’ goalkeeping situation.
He once again urged the club to land an experienced shot-stopper and said that he has ‘heard’ the links with Foster, saying that it would be an ‘outstanding signing’.
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The former Whites netminder stated:
“I said 18 months ago about Joe Hart and we’ve seen how well he’s done at Celtic. They should have signed someone of that quality.
“Illan Meslier has been excellent and I think he’s the out-and-out number one simply because he’s got no competition.
“Next season, if he gets injured or suspended, they’ve got no quality number two. And if he has a dip in form – which will happen at some point – the manager’s got no choice to stick with him and ride it out because he hasn’t got a good enough number two to put in.
“They have to go for a quality one.
“If you look around the Premier League, the other teams have quality goalkeepers. Everyone carries a top-quality number two who can do the job.
“I heard a link with Ben Foster and I think that would be an outstanding signing if they were able to pull it off.
“He’s somebody with experience who Meslier can learn from.
“But he’s also equally as good to step in and play should Meslier not be able to or wasn’t in form. It’s an area they have to address this window.”
The Verdict: Smart signing?
If Leeds want someone with plenty of experience and knowledge of the Premier League, then Foster is their man. The 39-year-old made 29 league appearances for Watford last season, taking his top-flight tally to 390.
Foster has the record for the most saves of any goalkeeper in Premier League history, so he looks like the ideal backup option who's available to sign.
It also wouldn’t cost Leeds a penny when it comes to a transfer fee, potentially making this move even more appealing for Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises.