Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope has been subject to an enquiry from Leeds United, and his stance on a transfer to West Yorkshire has been revealed.
The goalkeeper position is perhaps the transfer priority holding the most importance for Leeds this summer, with Illan Meslier’s important role at the club evaporating in the last two months.
How the club attempt to rectify it remains to be seen, but Karl Darlow’s steady presence does suggest an experienced operator with a safe pair of hands above anything would be appreciated at Elland Road.
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Leeds United enter pursuit of Newcastle United’s Nick Pope
The Daily Mail reported this week that Leeds are interested in signing Newcastle United’s Nick Pope as their solution to the goalkeeper slot.
(REUTERS/Phil Noble)
Pope’s vast top flight experience at both St James’ Park and Burnley makes him an ideal solution for Leeds, aged 33 in his peak years as a stopper.
The Magpies’ willingness to part ways with the towering ‘keeper will hinge on their ability to source a replacement, though, with their long-standing interest in Burnley’s James Trafford sure to reignite.
Nick Pope’s stance on Leeds United transfer revealed
Leeds’ attempts to sign Pope this summer will of course have to include convincing the player himself of the transfer.
Chronicle Live have now revealed what the Magpies man thinks of Leeds’ recent enquiry, sharing that Pope will require a tempting offer to leave the club he’s “fallen in love” with since leaving Turf Moor in 2022.
Pope is claimed to be happy at St James’ Park and willing to fight for his spot as first-choice on Tyneside with Champions League football returning under Eddie Howe.
However, if Newcastle wish to sign someone like Trafford as their new number one, it would mean letting one of Pope, Martin Dubravka, or Odysseas Vlachodimos leave to free up space in the squad – Pope being the current first choice.
Leeds United starting role could be a good offer for Nick Pope
This looks like the perfect goalkeeper signing for Leeds this summer, knowing we need someone to win us points on their own with shot-stopping, and that is Pope all over.
He’s a very old school ‘keeper in the sense that he’s poor with his feet, but every other basic aspect of goalkeeping is a strength – shot-stopping, box presence, catching, dealing with crosses et cetera.
That is exactly what Leeds need next season to stand a chance of staying up, and while trading UCL football for a relegation scrap isn’t exactly a really inviting proposition, being an undisputed starter in another big club is, if the wages follow suit as well.