Leeds United have this month held talks with Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope over a move to Elland Road, but their chances of landing the 33-year-old will hinge on his starting prospects at St James’ Park.
While Leeds aren’t exactly close to resolving their long-standing goalkeeper conundrum, it’s widely agreed that the club can’t go into the 25/26 Premier League season with the same trio that they finished the last campaign with.
Illan Meslier’s position as a starting ‘keeper for the Whites became untenable in the division below, and replacing him ought to be a ruthless priority in order for Daniel Farke to stand a chance of survival.
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Leeds United held Nick Pope transfer talks earlier in June, Newcastle United and Eddie Howe stance revealed
It was reported earlier in June that Leeds had highlighted Newcastle United’s experienced stopper Nick Pope as a potential new number one this summer, to the point where they met with the 33-year-old and his entourage for preliminary talks.
(REUTERS/Scott Heppell)
Pope’s contract is entering the final 12 months and Leeds could be sensing a cut-price deal for a goalkeeper with serious pedigree in the Premier League, but they will first have to convince both the player and the club of a sale.
Reports off the back of Leeds interest claimed that Eddie Howe and Newcastle don’t want to sell Pope this summer, seeing him as a key player despite their attempts to spend big on a goalkeeper being well documented in the past 12 months – namely with Burnley’s James Trafford.
Fabrizio Romano: Newcastle United reignite James Trafford talks as Leeds United watch on
Pope is the current first choice on Tyneside, but that could soon change with Fabrizio Romano now revealing that discussions between Newcastle and Burnley are underway over Trafford.
The 22-year-old has been on the Magpies’ radar ever since last summer and Romano reports that the deal could accelerate from next week when July begins, with Newcastle’s next PSR period rolling over.
Newcastle securing Champions League football should allow them to spend from the start of next month, and in pursuing Trafford, could be making their feelings known how they view Pope’s starting spot as ‘keeper.
Leeds United need to turn the screw for Nick Pope in July
We’ve seen that Pope is happy in Newcastle and that his club aren’t wanting to sell, but as soon as a big-money goalkeeper signing arrives, Pope might be reconsidering.
There’s no way at 33, his peak years as a ‘keeper, he’ll want to be playing second fiddle to someone 11 years his junior.
Leeds ought to be using that as a means to offer Pope an escape and guaranteed place in the lineup, which should be something he considers.