Leeds United’s chances of landing Newcastle United player now ‘unlikely’ after surprise update

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Leeds United have more work to do in the transfer market this summer, including a new midfielder and a new goalkeeper.

Newcastle United have a pair of players Leeds United like and that they have looked at this summer, including Sean Longstaff and also Nick Pope.

Pope has emerged as a top target for Leeds and the links between Pope and Leeds have gone on for much of the window so far. 

However, at no point was Pope likely to be a simple deal for Leeds to complete this summer. There are a number of moving parts and factors which complicate a switch to West Yorkshire.

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Beren Cross provides Nick Pope update amid interest from Leeds

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 shift the availability of Newcastle’s current first-choice, with Pope entering the final 12 months of his Newcastle deal after arriving at the club for £10 million in 2022.

If Trafford joins, it could potentially pave a way for Pope to leave to join Leeds and continue playing regular Premier League football.

There has been plenty of back and forth over what Newcastle and Pope want this summer amid interest from Leeds. With Trafford closing in on a switch, Pope’s Newcastle exit appears likelier from the Leeds perspective.

However, Beren Cross of The Athletic has provided the following update and it appears to be the final decision on the 33-year-old’s future.

He wrote: “If Newcastle United do sign James Trafford this summer, sources close to Pope, who remained anonymous to protect relationships, have indicated the veteran will stay at St James’ Park and fight for his place.

“While Pope seems unlikely to be the solution at Leeds, [Illan] Meslier’s contract is another reason this debate should come to a head this summer.”

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Stefan Ortega’s Man City situation could be of interest to Leeds

Stefan Ortega’s availability should alert Leeds with reports stating he would be happy to leave Man City for another Premier League opportunity this summer.

The 32-year-old is entering the final 12 months of his deal and Ortega has played just 56 times in the last three seasons for Manchester City in all competitions, but only 25 of those appearances have been league games.

He is in need of a fresh start while in the prime years of his career. After three seasons of being City’s No.2, he could become No.1 for Leeds instead. The Whites would be silly not to contemplate Ortega in the summer transfer window over other options.

Leeds have been linked with a number of goalkeepers already this summer but need to act swiftly to find an alternative to Pope if he was their top target this summer.