Leeds Want to Sign ‘Phenomenal’ £100,000-a-Week Star

Leeds United are showing interest in a summer move for Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope, Mirror journalist Simon Mullock has revealed.

Eddie Howe’s side are now believed to be closing in on Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, whose arrival could demote Pope from the starting line-up at St James’ Park.

Leeds are monitoring Newcastle’s interest in Trafford closely, having set their sights on signing Pope to boost their chances of Premier League survival next season.Leeds have been busy in the summer market following their Championship title win, welcoming striker Lukas Nmecha and defender Jaka Bijol as their first two signings.

The Whites are also believed to be in advanced talks over Wolfsburg defender Sebastiaan Bornauw’s arrival, with a four-year contract ready for the centre-back.

A move for Pope, meanwhile, would bring proven Premier League experience to Daniel Farke’s side, as the Englishman has 221 top-flight appearances to his nameThe ‘phenomenal’ 33-year-old, who is under a £100,000-a-week contract at St James’ Park until June 2026, was a regular for Newcastle in goal last season, making 28 Premier League appearances, keeping eight clean sheets and conceding 35 goals.

He was forced to miss over two months of action after suffering a knee injury in December, before making his return for Newcastle’s final 13 league games of the season.