'I do expect' - Leeds United tipped to beat Hull City and Ipswich Town to Newcastle United's Nick Pope
Leeds United tipped to beat Hull City and Ipswich Town to the signing of Newcastle United's Nick Pope
Leeds United have been tipped to win the race for the signature of Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope.
The 34-year-old looks set to depart St James’ Park following the arrival of Ewen Jaouen from Stade de Reims and recent links with Manchester City’s James Trafford.
Leeds have been credited with interest in Pope, as have newly-promoted Premier League clubs Hull City and Ipswich Town.
Leeds United tipped to land Nick Pope
According to former Everton and Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness, Leeds are the club in pole position.
He told Football Insider: “Leeds are favourites [to sign Pope], but I think they're going to have to sell [Lucas] Perri, who hasn't been a great success as well.
“He might go something around £10m or £12m. If they can get that, it would be a good deal for them, and I think Pope would be the one to come in.
“There is interest for Ipswich, and that's close, but I do expect him to end up at Leeds. I think that would be a good one for Leeds to get him in there. To me, that would be a strengthening in the position.”
Leeds United’s goalkeeping department
Leeds signed Perri from Lyon for a reported £15.6m last summer, putting the Brazilian in the number one spot that had been lost by Illan Meslier.
However, Perri’s unconvincing displays pushed deputy Karl Darlow back into the starting XI after he had previously dislodged Meslier.
Darlow is out of contract at the end of the month and Meslier’s release has already been confirmed. With Alex Cairns also due to see his deal expire in the coming weeks, Perri may be the only senior goalkeeper left on Leeds’ books when July begins.
Pope would add a wealth of experience to the Whites ranks and is unlikely to be content being a back-up at Newcastle. Reports have indicated he is valued at £10m, a fee that could prove to be a bargain if he helps consolidate Leeds, Hull or Ipswich in the Premier League.