Leeds United’s pursuit of a new goalkeeper took a turn for the worse on the weekend after key target Caoimhin Kelleher agreed a move to Brentford, to replace outgoing Mark Flekken.
Leeds had been heavily linked with a move for the Ireland international this summer. Kelleher had openly admitted he would leave Liverpool, having had enough of being second choice to Alisson at Anfield.
But many clubs were in the running for Kelleher and now, Brentford have struck a deal to sign the Ireland international. It comes after Bayer Leverkusen agreed a deal to sign Flekken, and Kelleher replaces him.
Leeds fans have been left stunned at how much Brentford are paying for Kelleher. Reports say that The Bees will only pay an initial £12.5m fee for the Premier League champion, and it will only rise to £18m.
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Leeds turn attention to Newcastle United’s Pope after Kelleher
Leeds have been linked with nine goalkeepers so far this summer, Kelleher being one. Another on that list is England international and Newcastle United star Pope, who has a year left on his £100k-a-week deal.
The Mail report that Leeds had made an enquiry to sign Kelleher but having missed out, are now looking into a deal for Pope. It is one that may take a bit of time though, as he remains Newcastle’s no.1 choice.
That changes if Newcastle manage to pull off a deal to sign Burnley’s £30m-rated James Trafford. The former Man City goalkeeper was nominated for the Championship POTS award, and The Toon are keen.
Photo by Pat Scaasi| MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Pat Scaasi| MB Media/Getty Images
David Prutton backs Leeds move for Newcastle star Nick Pope
Pope would be a real statement of intent. There have been times during both his Burnley and Newcastle spells that Pope has been regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in England’s top division.
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Former Leeds player David Prutton said: “A dominant goalkeeper such as Nick Pope, with his experience at Newcastle and understanding that level of expectation, could fit very well indeed [at Leeds].”
If Leeds are focusing on goalkeepers with huge Premier League experience, then £10m Pope fits the bill. A top goalkeeper that is worth waiting for, even if The Whites can’t do anything until Trafford goes north.