'One of the best' - Leeds United eye second Newcastle United swoop
Nick Pope is attracting interest as Newcastle United eye signing another goalkeeper.
Leeds United are keen on signing Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope, according to reports.
Pope joined Newcastle from Burnley in the summer of 2022 and immediately established himself as number one, displacing the long-serving Martin Dubravka.
In his debut season, Pope played an integral part as the Magpies qualified for the Champions League and reached their first cup final for the first time in over two decades. United lost the Carabao Cup final 2-0 to Manchester United, and that was partly due to not having Pope available because of a suspension.
In the following campaign, Pope produced heroics to earn draws away to European giants AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain before United were dealt a huge blow when the Soham-born goalkeeper dislocated his shoulder in December 2023. The issue required surgery and Pope did not return until the final game of that season.
Pope then suffered a further setback when, four months into this season, he spent six weeks out with a knee issue. With Dubravka impressing in the 33-year-old’s absence, Pope’s position was hotly debated.
However, since getting the nod for Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool in March, Pope has looked back to his best and again played an important role as the club again secured Champions League qualification.
Leeds United interested in Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope
Despite Pope’s improved form, Newcastle remain keen on recruiting a new goalkeeper, with Burnley’s James Trafford the number one target. According to the Daily Mail, the arrival of Trafford or another ‘keeper could see Pope depart St James’ Park.
However, NewcastleWorld is told that Pope is expected to stay, regardless of who joins. And it would not be a surprise to see him, at least in the short-term, remain as number one when the 2025-26 Premier League season kicks off on the weekend of August 15.
That could force newly-promoted Leeds to look elsewhere as they source a replacement for Illan Meslier. The Frenchman ended last season behind former Magpies goalkeeper Karl Darlow following a number of costly errors.
Pope is the second Newcastle player the Whites reportedly have an interest in. The other is Callum Wilson, whose contract expires on June 30.
Eddie Howe’s high praise for Nick Pope
Last month, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe described Pope as ‘one of the best shotstoppers he has worked with’ and has previously that he makes saves not many others can.
Howe said: “Yeah, it may seem funny to say that about a goalkeeper because that is obviously what they are there to do but I do think he’s one of the best shot stoppers I’ve had the privilege to work with,” Howe added.
“He has this ability to get his positioning right and he has long levers, big arms and legs that he manages to get touches on balls some other goalkeepers wouldn’t because of his size and stature.
“He is also very good from crosses and we are going to need that coming into this game, set plays and all the things Arsenal possess as big strengths.”
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