Leeds United suffer surprise Nick Pope blow as Newcastle edge closer to James Trafford signing

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When it comes to a transfer window, clubs often have to wait for a domino of moves to fall into place before they can realistically sign a player they want – and Leeds United are no different.

Adam Underwood and Leeds are desperate to bring a new goalkeeper to Elland Road. All three options in goal at Leeds see their contracts expire in 2026, with Illan Meslier expected to leave Leeds this summer.

Fenerbahce are supposedly interested in Meslier, though Jose Mourinho’s side have agreed a move to sign Trabzonspor’s Ugurcan Cakir. Ligue 1 sides Strasbourg and Lens are also interested in Meslier.

Leeds need a new goalkeeper and have been linked with plenty of options, including Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic and Southampton’s no.1 Aaron Ramsdale. But top of the list seems to be Newcastle’s Nick Pope.

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Leeds suffer surprise Nick Pope blow despite Newcastle move

Leeds have been linked with Pope for much of the window. The belief is Burnley sign a replacement for James Trafford, and then the Championship Player of the Season candidate would join Newcastle United.

Well, Burnley are close to announcing a deal for German goalkeeper Max Weiss. Indications suggest that Weiss is a replacement for Trafford and Fabrizio Romano says talks to sign Trafford will now accelerate.

That would see Pope drop to the bench at Newcastle and Leeds hope that they can take advantage and lure the former Burnley man to Elland Road. But Leeds Live deliver a surprise update in pursuit of Pope.

Indeed, it is claimed that instead of opting to leave Newcastle even with the signing of Trafford, Pope would rather remain with Eddie Howe’s side and play as a no.2 goalkeeper instead of leaving for Leeds.

Why Leeds are desperate to sign Nick Pope this summer

The issue is, that Newcastle have qualified for the Champions League and that means Pope may rather remain at Newcastle and play in the cup games – and hope for a chance in the league or in Europe.

Pope’s contract – like Meslier, Alex Cairns and Karl Darlow – ends in 2026. But despite all the signs that point towards an exit for Pope, it looks as though the England international may now choose to remain.

Pope v Meslier league form:

But the attraction to sign Pope is obvious. He might be 33 but Pope is much better than anything Leeds have to offer at the moment, largely outperforming Meslier last season despite being in a better league.