Nick Pope's proposed summer move in jeopardy as switch is now deemed too expensive for Leeds United

Very recently, it was reported that Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope would be Leeds United-bound in the summer as the club looks to replace disaster artist Illan Meslier.

Leeds United are within touching distance of promotion (at time of writing, but may well have sealed it if Burnley manage to take any points off Sheffield United), and they will know that a Championship side won't last in the Premier League without additions.

They certainly won't last with Illan Meslier as their first-choice goalkeeper. It has been thanks to Leeds' rampant attack that they have managed to sustain a charge on the top of the table, in spite of having a human Polo Mint in goal.

Former Magpie Karl Darlow has taken over first-team duties for the rest of the season it seems, but Leeds are keen to add quality to their ranks ahead of next season.

Leeds United could walk away from Nick Pope and turn attention elsewhere

Two players they've had in mind were Newcastle's Nick Pope, with some reports suggesting that a deal would be done in the summer. Their alternative was Burnley's James Trafford, who, ironically, has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United.

However, The Sun's Alan Nixon has now poured cold water on Pope's potential move to Elland Road, suggesting that a deal could prove too costly for Leeds.

“Now Sam Johnstone is on their radar as moves for Burnley’s James Trafford and Newcastle’s Nick Pope may be too dear and difficult.

“Johnstone, who only signed for Wolves from Crystal Palace last summer for a fee of £10 million, is seen as a decent alternative given his experience and pedigree.”

Are Newcastle asking for more than £10m for Nick Pope?

Newcastle paid £10 million for Nick Pope in 2022, so it would suggest, based on what Nixon is saying, that the Magpies are looking to make a profit on the 33-year-old if Leeds feel they can get Sam Johnstone for less than Pope.

Pope has been a great servant for Newcastle and has made some absolutely monumental saves, but his injury record and his inability to kick a ball do make him a bit of a liability at times.

James Trafford may not be everyone's first choice, but he has been an absolute beast between the sticks for Burnley this season and he is just a baby in goalkeeping terms, so we definitely back his arrival as a good move.

We're not convinced about letting Nick Pope go, though, we feel he still has plenty to offer and would be fantastic to have around to help Trafford's development.