Leeds United appear to be edging closer to signing a new goalkeeper this summer following several important developments in recent weeks.
The Whites remain in discussions with Karl Darlow over a new contract and would prefer the experienced Welshman to stay at Elland Road for another season. However, uncertainty over his future continues amid reported interest from Manchester United, who are considering him as an experienced backup option to Senne Lammens.
With Darlow’s situation unresolved, Leeds could be forced to speed up their search for a new goalkeeper.
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness believes Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope is destined to join Leeds this summer.
Newcastle are willing to listen to offers for Pope, who has just one year remaining on his contract and could drop down the pecking order at St James’ Park. The Magpies have already signed Ewen Jaouen from Reims and are once again pursuing England goalkeeper James Trafford.
Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness said:
“Leeds are favourites for Pope, but I think they’re going to have to sell Perri, who hasn’t been a great success as well.
“He might go for something around £10m or £12m. If they can get that, it would be a good deal for them, and I think Pope would be the one to come in.
“There is interest from Ipswich, and that’s close, but I do expect him to end up at Leeds. I think that would be a good one for Leeds to get him in there. To me, that would be a strengthening in the position.”
Leeds had initially planned to enter next season with Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri as their goalkeeping options, allowing them to prioritise strengthening other areas of the squad.
However, those plans now appear uncertain. Perri has struggled to establish himself since arriving at Elland Road, and if Darlow leaves this summer, Leeds would almost certainly need to recruit a new first-choice goalkeeper.
The club had hoped any new signing would provide competition for, or replace, Perri rather than Darlow. But with Manchester United reportedly monitoring the Welshman’s situation, Leeds may have to act quickly.
If Darlow continues to keep his options open, the Whites could accelerate their pursuit of Nick Pope and make an early move rather than waiting until later in the transfer window.
