Nick Pope issues four-word message that could aid ‘unbelievable’ Leeds United transfer
Newcastle United’s Nick Pope is among the goalkeepers Leeds United are eyeing a move for this summer.
Leeds United have Illan Meslier but the facts are that Meslier is expected to leave Leeds this summer and Fenerbahce supposedly interested in Meslier, meaning Leeds need a new goalkeeper.
Pope has emerged as a top target for Leeds after missing out on Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford. He is among the numerous goalkeepers linked to Leeds already.
They have been linked with plenty of options, but Pope won’t be a simple deal for Leeds. That’s because of Eddie Howe’s view of the situation with Leeds linked with Pope for much of the window so far.
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Burnley FC v Leeds United FC – Sky Bet Championship
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Nick Pope hints James Trafford is about to join Newcastle United
Newcastle fans want James Trafford by selling Pope, and the belief is that Burnley sign a replacement for the Championship Player of the Season candidate to join Newcastle. That could free up Pope to leave and become Leeds’ No.1.
However, it is now claimed that, instead of opting to leave Newcastle, even with the signing of Trafford, he would rather remain with Eddie Howe’s side and play as a No.2 goalkeeper instead of Pope leaving to join Leeds.
That doesn’t stop Leeds from remaining interested in the 33-year-old if a deal is struck for Trafford to move to St. James’ Park. Pope has revealed that things are edging closer on that front, which could free up a move to Elland Road.
Replying to James Trafford’s Instagram story from Friday afternoon (27th June), Pope simply stated: “See you soon s_____r”
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Pope is basically confirming Newcastle are signing their top-choice goalkeeper, which might make him available to move to West Yorkshire this summer, even in spite of talk that he will remain as second-choice.
Pope is into the last 12 months of his Newcastle deal and you imagine that the club’s hierarchy would go over Howe’s head to make a PSR profit happen for a 33-year-old this summer.
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Charlie Taylor in action for Burnley against Aston Villa.
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Charlie Taylor believes Nick Pope is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League
With ex-Leeds man Charlie Taylor full of huge praise for Pope for their time together at Burnley, it shows what a difference-maker he can be in a relegation battle.
These quotes are from a few seasons back, but they outline how highly he is regarded by his teammates. Taylor said: “Obviously with Nick Pope now, he’s getting his recognition with England and rightly so.
“He’s incredible with his hands. Obviously I’m biased, but I think he is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League. Definitely, for shot-stopping.
“Sometimes, I genuinely think he’s unstoppable, you can’t get past him. I’m biased, but I train with him every day. He’s unbelievable, I think he can be No.1 for England,” he added.
Man City’s Stefan Ortega could be an alternative to Pope and Meslier if Leeds were to look elsewhere.
