Leeds United are being tipped to win the race for one of Newcastle United’s veterans and likely-to-be-sold players this summer.
That’d be goalkeeper Nick Pope, whose future at St James’ Park remains uncertain, to say the least.
Pope is entering the final 12 months of his Newcastle contract and could leave if Eddie Howe’s side adds another senior goalkeeper after signing Ewen Jaouen from Reims.
Newcastle are already back exploring ways to finally bring Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford to Tyneside,
which doesn’t bode well for Pope’s future in England’s northernmost city.
Football Insider reported on Sunday that Leeds, Hull City and Ipswich Town have all shown interest in the 34-year-old keeper, but Keith Wyness believes Leeds are best placed to strike a deal.
“Leeds are favourites (for Pope), but I think they’re going to have to sell Perri, who hasn’t been a great success as well,” Wyness told Football Insider.
Lucas Perri joined Leeds from Lyon last summer but lost his place in the XI during the season. Wyness suggested a sale could help fund a move for Pope.
“He might go something around £10m or £12m,” Wyness said. “If they can get that, it would be a good deal for them, and I think Pope would be the one to come in.”
Pope has been Newcastle’s first-choice goalkeeper for much of the last four years, but the club’s goalkeeping department is changing after Aaron Ramsdale returned to Southampton and John Ruddy’s exit was confirmed, with Pope himself aging and committing some mistakes of late.
“There is interest for Ipswich, and that’s close, but I do expect him to end up at Leeds,” Wyness said.
Football Insider also reported that Pope is valued at around £10million, while Transfermarkt values the veteran at just £4.5 million.
