The summer transfer window was always going to go one of two ways. A repeat of last summer, in which Leeds United had to sell their best players, if Daniel Farke failed to secure promotion.
But with Leeds opening up a five-point gap on Sheffield United and only requiring seven points from the last four games – and that is if Sheffield United win their remaining four – it looks as if Leeds will go up.
Even Chris Wilder says his Sheffield United side have “let it slip”. The summer then, is going to look very different as The Whites prepare to invest and hope they can gave Daniel Farke the tools to secure suvival.
Leeds have already been linked with a number of high-profile signings, a number of which are to replace Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow between the sticks like Caoimhin Kelleher, Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope.
David Prutton thinks Nick Pope is a “pretty good fit” at Leeds
Described as “incredible” by Jermaine Jenas as per The Chronicle, Pope remains first choice under Eddie Howe at Newcastle. But change is afoot in the goalkeeping department at Newcastle in the summer.
They are widely expected to sign Burnley’s James Trafford, while Martin Dubravka is set to leave. The Toon might be hoping £100k-a-week Pope remains as second choice – but an exit is more likely for the stopper.
Leeds are interested in signing Pope, and now former Leeds midfielder David Prutton has given his take on a potential deal for the England ace with FLW. He thinks Pope would be a “good fit” at Elland Road.
“Nick Pope to Leeds – that sounds like a pretty good fit, doesn’t it? He has shown himself to be a very steadying influence. It seems to be Karl’s jersey to lose. But they do need to address that in the summer.
“A dominant goalkeeper such as Nick Pope, having had the experience of playing for Newcastle and understanding that level of expectation, could fit very well indeed,” Prutton told Football League World.
Leeds can sign Nick Pope but will have to rely on Scott Parker
If Burnley go up and that looks just as likely as Leeds at this stage, they will be doing everything within their power to keep Trafford at Turf Moor. But realistically, he is going to move on at some stage.
A move to Newcastle has been widely touted, but Leeds only get Pope in at Elland Road – or even, stand a chance – if Burnley sell Trafford to Newcastle. Leeds have to rely on rivals Burnley in order to sign Pope.
There will be other options for Leeds if promoted, with Karl Darlow impressing in his three starts. If Leeds do sign a goalkeeper, it is more than likely that Illan Meslier leaves the club in the coming months.
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