NafisaNewcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope has been the subject of an inquiry from Leeds United, and his position on a move to West Yorkshire has been disclosed.
The goalkeeper spot is arguably the transfer concern carrying the most significance for Leeds this summer, with Illan Meslier’s key involvement at the club fading over the past two months.
How the club intends to address it remains uncertain, but Karl Darlow’s reliable presence does imply that a seasoned professional with dependable hands would be valued at Elland Road.
Leeds United enter chase for Newcastle United’s Nick Pope:
The Daily Mail reported this week that Leeds are keen on acquiring Newcastle United’s Nick Pope as their answer to the goalkeeper dilemma.
Pope’s extensive Premier League background at both St James’ Park and Burnley makes him an ideal fit for Leeds, aged 33 and in his prime years as a shot-stopper.
The Magpies’ readiness to let go of the towering goalkeeper will depend on their capacity to bring in a substitute, with their ongoing interest in Burnley’s James Trafford likely to be revived.
Nick Pope’s view on Leeds United move uncovered:
Leeds’ pursuit of Pope this summer will naturally have to involve persuading the player himself about the switch.
Chronicle Live have now shared what the Magpies man feels about Leeds’ recent approach, reporting that Pope will need an enticing proposal to depart the club he’s “fallen in love” with since leaving Turf Moor in 2022.
Pope is said to be content at St James’ Park and ready to battle for his place as number one on Tyneside with Champions League football returning under Eddie Howe.
However, if Newcastle decide to bring in someone like Trafford as their new starting keeper, it would mean allowing one of Pope, Martin Dubravka, or Odysseas Vlachodimos to depart to create space in the squad – with Pope currently the first-choice option.
Leeds United starting position could be a strong lure for Nick Pope:
This seems like the ideal goalkeeper addition for Leeds this summer, considering the team needs someone capable of earning points single-handedly through shot-stopping – which is exactly Pope’s specialty.
He’s a very traditional type of ‘keeper in the sense that he lacks confidence with his distribution, but excels in every other fundamental aspect of goalkeeping – reflex saves, command of the area, claiming high balls, handling crosses and more.
That is precisely what Leeds require next season to have a fighting chance at survival, and while giving up UCL football for a relegation dogfight isn’t exactly an appealing opportunity, being a guaranteed starter at another major club might be, especially if the salary package aligns.
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