The goalkeeping position is once again a major talking point at Leeds United this summer.
Karl Darlow, who finished the season as Leeds’ number one, is said to be the subject of interest from Manchester United. However, the Whites remain in negotiations with the Welshman to keep him in West Yorkshire.
The club recently confirmed that Illan Meslier will be leaving once his contract expires at the end of the month. The Frenchman was frozen out of Daniel Farke’s squad last season.
Mick Brown tips Leeds to sign “bigger targets” after Nick Pope rumours
Leeds have also recently been linked with a move for Newcastle shot-stopper Nick Pope. But, that move was quickly shut down, with United now being tipped to make a major transfer this summer for a new ‘keeper.
Speaking to Football Insider, former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown claimed that Leeds will be having “second thoughts” about reigniting their interest in Pope this summer after Leeds were reportedly interested in the Englishman last year.
“It’s no surprise there is interest in him (Pope) if he’s going to become available, because a lot of Premier League teams could do with a reliable goalkeeper like him,” Brown said.
“He’s always been very good with his hands; he makes some amazing saves, but the question marks have always been about when the ball is at his feet.
“So many times for Newcastle this season, he’s been caught out, and Leeds will know all about that; they will have been getting regular scouting reports on him.
“I expect they’ll be having second thoughts about him, because is he really what they need at this moment in time? Is he a major upgrade on what they’ve got?”
Brown then went on to predict that United will have their eyes set on far more impressive targets than Pope. Of course, with all due respect to the Newcastle shot-stopper.
“What Leeds need is a top-class goalkeeper, somebody better and probably younger than Pope, who can really nail down the place in the starting XI.
“Their scouts and recruitment team have been working hard to identify different options, not just names from the Premier League, and now is the time to make a move.
“So if Pope does leave Newcastle, Leeds might be interested, but I would expect him to go elsewhere with bigger targets in mind at Leeds.”
As Darlow’s contract negotiations continue to rumble on, the Whites may be forced to fork out for a new shot-stopper. It’s likely Daniel Farke will aim to avoid starting next season with Lucas Perri as his first-choice.
Signing James Trafford would be Leeds United’s dream scenario
Whilst many supporters would be content with re-signing Darlow and having him as our first-choice goalkeeper next season, I still believe we need to bring in a long-term option.
If possible, I’d still keep Darlow around to provide competition. Although, I do think we need to upgrade in that area of the pitch still, regardless of Darlow’s impressive campaign.
The absolute dream would be to sign James Trafford. He’s almost certain to leave Manchester City this summer after losing his starting spot early last season to Gianluigi Donnarumma.
I’d even be willing to pay as much as £35million to bring Trafford to Elland Road personally. It would mean we would be securing a long-term solution in goal, with Trafford being just 23, who we could also sell for a major profit in the future if needed and if he develops how we all think he will, into a top Premier League goalkeeper.
For as long as I can remember, the goalkeeper position has been a problem at Leeds. Whilst Perri failed to solve this issue after his move from Lyon didn’t live up to expectations, there’s almost no chance of that happening with Trafford.
This summer, if I could, I’d sell Perri, re-sign Alex Cairns and Darlow to bolster our goalkeeping department. Then, bring in Trafford as one of our marquee signings of the window.
This would certainly live up to Brown’s claim of us being in for “top-class goalkeeper” if it materialised.
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