Leeds United are now considering a bid for Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope this summer.
On last season’s evidence, neither Illan Meslier nor Karl Darlow are quite equipped to help Leeds survive in the Premier League.
Therefore, Leeds’ interest in Nick Pope makes a lot of sense, a goalkeeper who might be allowed to leave if Newcastle can sign James Trafford from Burnley.
Nick Pope has been incredibly reliable for Eddie Howe at St James’ Park, but he does lack some of the ball-playing characteristics to be a top, top goalkeeper.
Of course, for Leeds’ immediate requirements in the top flight, Pope would represent an excellent signing, the kind of player who could win Daniel Farke 10 or so points across the campaign.
Matt Targett can solve Leeds’ left-back issue
That being said, Farke’s number one spot is not his only issue to consider heading into the 2025/26 season, the former Norwich City manager might also be without a starting left-back.
Junior Firpo might leave Leeds at the end of his contract, a situation that remains unclear.
And Sam Byram’s future is also uncertain given that his deal is expiring this month.
Therefore Leeds should actually consider a move for Newcastle defender Matt Targett when negotiating any deal for Pope.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
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Newcastle signed Targett for £15m from Aston Villa back in 2022, a left-back with 164 appearances in the Premier League.
And when it comes to signing proven top flight quality, and players with the experience to help Leeds stay up, Targett definitely fits the bill.
At 29-years-old, Targett might not have the forward-thinking ambitions of Firpo, but he would be an incredibly reliable option on the left of Farke’s defence.
Matt Targett could be a budget star for Daniel Farke
Targett currently has a contract with Newcastle until 2026, and from the outside looking in, he does appear to be a player who Howe might let go.
Newcastle have Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento as their starting pair, both of whom are comfortable playing on the left.
And Leeds would surely be able to secure a deal for Targett for much less than the price Newcastle paid almost three years ago.
Leeds will have money to spend this summer, but the addition of a new striker should also be top of the 49ers’ agenda.
Mateo Joseph is ready to leave Leeds and the likes of Joel Piroe will need help heading into next season.