Newly-promoted Leeds United have enquired about the availability of Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope as Daniel Farke looks to bring in a new No 1 this summer.
But despite the Whites' interest in his services, Pope is keen to remain at St James' Park and contribute to the club's Champions League journey next season, according to our sister title The Chronicle.
With two years remaining on his contract and in his prime goalkeeping years, Pope is prepared to compete for the No 1 jersey and isn't actively looking for a transfer.
Last season, Pope briefly lost his position due to a knee injury that sidelined him during the winter, but he reclaimed the gloves from Martin Dubravka to shine in the Carabao Cup final victory against Liverpool, while also retaining his place for the club's Champions League campaign.
A departure from the goalkeeping team is necessary to make room for potential arrivals like James Trafford or Aaron Ramsdale, as the squad currently has an excess of stoppers.
Both Odysseas Vlachodimos and Martin Dubravka could leave this summer, although they are under contract. The Greek international has played half a game at United and will only depart if a club matches his £50,000 per week wage, reports Chronicle Live.
This creates a challenging summer for Eddie Howe in the goalkeeping department, with the head coach aware that the introduction of a keeper insisting on being No 1 will impact the existing set-up.
It's also a double-edged sword for the Magpies, with Dubravka and Vlachodimos unlikely to be considered as No 3 and No 4, but also not eager to leave unless their salaries are surpassed.
Pope might find himself in a situation where Newcastle agree to a deal, but he would then require an enticing proposal to draw him away from a club he has grown fond of since his transfer from Burnley in 2022.
As for the Whites, they currently have three senior shot-stoppers on their books in Illan Meslier, Karl Darlow and Alex Cairns. Darlow replaced Meslier in between the sticks at the back end of the 2024/25 campaign following a string of high-profile blunders from the Frenchman.