Leeds United are almost certain to sign a new goalkeeper in the upcoming summer transfer window following some major developments.
The Whites are in talks with Karl Darlow over a new contract and are pushing to convince the veteran goalkeeper to continue at Elland Road next season.
However, the Welshman’s future is unclear due to interest from Manchester United, who want to take him to Old Trafford as Senne Lammens’ experienced back-up.
Leeds could now be forced to sign a new goalkeeper in the upcoming transfer window. However, one of their top targets could be taken off the market in the coming weeks.
Read More: Manchester United want to snare Karl Darlow away from Leeds
Nick Pope may not leave Newcastle United
Leeds have held talks with Pope and his representatives over a potential move to Elland Road in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The veteran goalkeeper has a year left on his contract, and Newcastle are open to selling him as part of their transfer plans.
Newcastle have signed goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Reims this summer, and it was seen as a major indicator that Pope could be on his way out.
However, according to The Athletic, manager Eddie Howe could block any deal to sell the veteran goalkeeper in the upcoming transfer window.
Newcastle would only sanction Pope’s departure if they secure another top goalkeeper between now and the end of the transfer window.
Howe is prepared to hold on to the Leeds target if a top-quality goalkeeper is not signed in the coming weeks and months.
Any move for Pope from Leeds will now depend on Newcastle signing another goalkeeper, and it remains to be seen whether the Whites are ready to wait.
Leeds will have to act fast
Leeds United had been weighing up the possibility of going into next season with Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri as their goalkeeping options, which would have allowed them to focus their resources elsewhere in the transfer market.
However, that approach is becoming increasingly difficult to justify. Perri has yet to fully convince since arriving at Elland Road, and if Darlow chooses to leave, Leeds would almost certainly need to bring in a new number one this summer.
The club have been keen to keep Darlow and have been working to tie him down to a new contract. Ideally, any goalkeeper signing would have come in as a replacement for Perri rather than the experienced Welshman. While Leeds are open to offers for the Brazilian, losing Darlow would dramatically change their plans.
With Manchester United now reportedly interested in the veteran goalkeeper, Leeds may have little choice but to accelerate their search for a replacement. If Darlow continues to delay a decision on his future, the Whites could find themselves prioritising a move for a new goalkeeper such as Nick Pope much earlier than expected.
Dnt dare get pope hes crap n old