Leeds United are eyeing a swoop for Nick Pope ahead of their return to the Premier League, with Newcastle reportedly open to selling the goalkeeper if they are able to sign a replacement. Pope has starred for Newcastle since joining in 2022, making almost 100 appearances for the club.
However, he could be set to leave St James’ Park after three years if Newcastle are successful in their renewed pursuit of Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
Newcastle attempted to sign Trafford last summer, but the deal fell through and the 22-year-old starred as Burnley earned promotion from the Championship.
Trafford kept 29 clean sheets in 45 league games last season and a report from the Daily Mailstates that Newcastle are ‘expected’ to sign the England international for a fee of around £30million this summer.
If the Trafford deal is completed, it could pave the way for Leeds to sign Pope as they search for an upgrade on Ilan Meslier. Meslier has made some major errors at Leeds and it is claimed the club are keen to sign a replacement as they look to avoid relegation.
Kelleher currently acts as backup to Alisson, but with Giorgi Mamardashvili set to arrive from Valencia this summer he would slip further down the pecking order. And Kelleher has spoken openly about his desire for more game time.
“Yeah, yeah definitely,” he said last month. “I’ve said it before as well, I feel like I’m good enough to be a No.1 and I feel like I’m good enough to play week in, week out and that’s what I’m looking to do.
