Credit: Imago
Leeds United have a few big decisions to make on their transfer plans following the possibility of Karl Darlow leaving the club in the upcoming transfer window.
The Whites have been considering going into next season with the same set of goalkeepers and are weighing up whether to bring in a new shot stopper.
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However, Leeds’ plans depend on Darlow signing a new contract, and Manchester United are now trying to lure him to Old Trafford on a free transfer this summer.
The club will now have to step up their pursuit of a new goalkeeper, and they now have a real chance to secure a top target after the latest revelation about Nick Pope from Newcastle.
Read more: Karl Darlow’s potential Manchester United move hinges on one major factor
Newcastle United make Nick Pope decision
Nick Pope has a year left on his contract, and Leeds have made an approach to the player’s camp over the possibility of a move to Elland Road this summer.
However, Newcastle’s stance on him was unknown, and the goalkeeper was asked to report for pre-season training with the club this summer.
But it has been claimed that the club are have made a definitive decision about Pope’s future at Newcastle beyond the end of the transfer window.
According to The Northern Echo, Newcastle are now willing to listen to offers for the former England international this summer.
The club are not actively looking to push him out. However, the Magpies acknowledge that the best way for him to play regular football is to leave Newcastle.
Newcastle have already signed goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Reims for an initial deal worth £18.5m.
They have their eyes on Manchester City’s James Trafford and will make a move for him once they finalise Pope’s departure this summer.
Leeds can’t afford to dither anymore
Leeds United had been weighing up the possibility of heading into next season with Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri as their goalkeeping options, avoiding the need to sign another goalkeeper this summer.
However, Perri has yet to fully convince since arriving at Elland Road, and if Darlow were to leave, Leeds would have little choice but to enter the market for a new first-team goalkeeper.
The club have been keen to tie Darlow down to a new contract and, ideally, would have preferred any new arrival to come in as a replacement for Perri rather than the experienced Welshman. While Leeds remain open to offers for the Brazilian, losing Darlow would significantly alter their plans for the transfer window.
Given the uncertainty created by Manchester United’s interest, Leeds may need to accelerate their pursuit of Nick Pope if Darlow is unwilling to commit his future to the club in the coming weeks.