Leeds now open talks for “incredible” £60k-p/w player with 10 England caps.
Leeds United have begun talks with the entourage of a “incredible” player with ten England caps, according to reports.
Leeds looking to avoid drop by building experienced squad
Leeds’ main goal next season will be to escape relegation to the Championship, and it appears that Daniel Farke intends to do it by assembling a squad with a wealth of top-flight experience. Indeed, the Whites have been associated with players in a variety of positions, many of whom have established themselves in the Premier League for several years.
| Target | Current club | Position | PL appearances |
| Yves Bissouma | Tottenham Hotspur | CM | 191 |
| Aaron Cresswell | West Ham United | LB | 312 |
| Jamie Vardy | Leicester City | ST | 342 |
| Callum Wilson | Newcastle United | ST | |
| Aaron Ramsdale | Southampton | The interest in Ramsdale stems from concerns over Illan Meslier, who was substituted for Karl Darlow during the promotion run-in, but the Southampton shot-stopper, who is available for £25 million following the Saints’ relegation, is not the only English custodian on the shortlist. Leeds United News reports that the club has approached the entourage of Newcastle United’s Nick Pope, who has emerged as a priority target for Farke now that Caoimhin Kelleher has decided to join Brentford. Transfer analyst Graeme Bailey also provided an update on Pope’s future at St. James’ Park, stating: “Pope, he’s on a very good contract there, and age is not on his side.” It also depends on where Leeds wants to take it.The interest in Ramsdale comes about amid doubts over Illan Meslier, who was dropped for Karl Darlow during the promotion run-in, but the Southampton shot-stopper, who is available for £25m following the Saints’ relegation, is not the only English goalkeeper on the shortlist According to a report from Leeds United News, Leeds have now approached the entourage of Newcastle United’s Nick Pope, who has emerged as a top target for Farke now that Caoimhin Kelleher has decided to make the move to Brentford. |
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey also dropped a further update on Pope’s St. James’ Park future, saying: “Pope, he’s on a very good contract there and age is not on his side. It depends where Leeds want to go with it as well.
“Do they go with experience or young? I believe they are considering all alternatives. He’s a very strong choice. “Clearly he’s going to be on the radar, but I don’t think they have 100% decided which way they’re going to go just yet.”
“Incredible” Pope might be exactly what Leeds needs.
Meslier simply cannot be trusted, as the 25-year-old lost Farke’s side 10 Championship points last season, and there is every sign that the Newcastle custodian would be a more dependable option between the posts. The England international, who has 10 caps, has established himself in the top tier during periods with Burnley and Newcastle, appearing in 221 Premier League games and attracting the spotlight in the Champions League.
Journalist Liam Kennedy was particularly impressed by the £60k-a-week goalkeeper’s performance in a 0-0 draw against AC Milan in September 2023, noting the Magpies “wouldn’t have got a point without his incredible performance in goal”. There is definitely a strategy to bring in established Premier League players this summer, and Pope certainly fits the bill, while his Champions League and international experience suggest he might be a significant upgrade on Meslier, who has been far too error-prone.
Leave a Reply