Leeds 'favourites' to sign Nick Pope and sell axed player for '£12m'

Leeds United will get a move to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope over the line this summer.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Whites will fight off interest from newly-promoted Ipswich to secure a deal.

The 34-year-old has fallen out of favour at St James’ Park and could be moved on this summer, as he heads into the final 12 months of his contract.

Wyness believes that Leeds are best-placed to secure his signature ahead of 2026-27, and feels that the sale of Lucas Perri could trigger their move.

The Brazilian lost his place to Karl Darlow midway through the campaign, and Daniel Farke and Co. are now trying to cash in on him if they get the chance.

Perri was a big addition when he arrived at Elland Road for £15million last summer, but there is a strong feeling that he is not the right man to start for them.

Everton’s former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs - believes that Perri will be allowed to leave for around the £10m mark this summer.

The former Lyon man was plagued by errors throughout his debut Premier League season, and Leeds are now searching for a replacement just 12 months after signing him.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness emphasised that a £10m sale would be a “good deal” for the Whites.

“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 said.

“He might go 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 for 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.”

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that Leeds are also exploring “bigger targets” in goal than Pope.

He made it clear that the Whites’ recruitment team are already working to identify a list of candidates to strengthen between the posts, with Pope among them.

However, Brown raised questions regarding the veteran’s age and ability with his feet, and wondered whether Leeds might go for a younger option instead.

He outlined Leeds’ need for a “top-class” goalkeeper, and questioned whether they need a bigger name than Pope to take over.