Weeks into the transfer market and Leeds United have not addressed a key part of the squad. After all the reports and links, the club has yet to make a change in that area.
With Illan Meslier almost set to leave Elland Road, the club are yet to sort out a replacement. The Frenchman’s time was up towards the end of last season, when Daniel Farke benched him during the run in. Karl Darlow filled in between the sticks as the Whites went on a huge run to win the Championship.
Meslier has been offered to clubs in an effort to sell him, but there have been no deals on the table.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 Leeds United players from the 2000s?
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Nick Pope stance on Leeds United deal revealed
Credit: Imago Images
It was reported that Leeds drew a shortlist with names like Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone. Newcastle stopper Nick Pope was heavily linked, but his situation was dependent on the Magpies signing James Trafford.
Graeme Bailey has reported on the latest involving Pope, and a possible move to Elland Road this summer:
“(Despite interest from Leeds) Nick Pope doesn’t want to leave Newcastle United. He thinks he’s still capable of playing.
“He’s known that they’ve wanted Trafford since last summer. Newcastle are refusing to pay the £40m that Burnley would need – at least £40m – to get him.
“It’s not that Eddie Howe doesn’t love Pope, he just thinks they can improve in that area. When you become title challengers, it’s the 1% or 2% here and there that can improve you. That’s where Newcastle are interested in improving.”
Burnley are standing firm on their asking price for Trafford this summer, which could make a deal difficult.
Leeds need to look elsewhere
Unless Newcastle pay up, Trafford will remain at Burnley this summer, meaning Leeds can’t sign Nick Pope. It would be a shame for the club to lose out on a keeper with loads of Premier League experience.
Daniel Farke and the recruitment team need to work fast to find an upgrade on Illan Meslier before August.
