Football
Nick Pope Emerges as Leeds’ Top Target in Goalkeeper Shake-Up
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Newcastle United v Manchester United - Premier League by Alex Dodd - CameraSport | Getty Images
Leeds United are ready to swoop for Nick Pope to solve their goalkeeper crisis, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The 34-year-old triggered a one-year option in his contract at St James’ Park earlier this season to remain at the club until next summer.
But that was before he fell out of favour and was benched for Aaron Ramsdale, on loan at the Magpies from Southampton, midway through the campaign.
Pope has returned for the club’s last two Premier League outings, but with Eddie Howe targeting a new keeper himself, with Manchester City’s James Trafford understood to be top of the shopping list, Pope could decide his future lays elsewhere.
It is understood Leeds’ boss Daniel Farke has been underwhelmed by near £14million summer signing Lucas Perri.
Since he arrived at Elland Road, the Brazilian has made just 16 Premier League appearances and has only featured in the FA Cup since January.
Farke has instead favoured Wales’ stopper Karl Barlow who, despite doing an admirable job, has notoriously been a back up at the highest level.
Pope signed for Newcastle for £10million back in 2022, but with just a year left on his deal it is expected a fee of half that would be enough for the Magpies to part company with the experienced keeper.
His leadership and Premier League know-how are also seen as valuable assets for a Leeds side determined to avoid another relegation battle after returning to the top flight.
Keeper Shuffle
Farke is understood to see Pope as an upgrade on his current keeping stocks and a reliable pair of hands given his experience as a number one at Burnley and Newcastle.
Sources close to the club have told SportsBoom that Perri is free to leave the club this summer with Darlow viewed as a better back-up option around the squad.
Former number one Illan Meslier’s future is also up in the air with the 26-year-old out of contract in June.
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