Transfer between Newcastle and Leeds looks set to collapse - Report

Newcastle United’s rumoured plans to sell a first team star to Leeds United could be scrapped over the player being seen as too expensive an option for Leeds.

We’re expecting a big clear out of talent on Tyneside this summer, particularly in areas of the pitch where we’re already blessed with good squad depth.

But now one prospective buyer may have been ruled out, could we see this player play in black and white for the foreseeable future?

Leeds look away from Pope in goalkeeper hunt

According to The Sun’s Alan Nixon and Henry Tomlinson, our goalkeeper Nick Pope’s rumoured move to Leeds United in the summer looks to be off the cards.

The report states that despite Leeds having sufficient enough funds for a new shot-stopper ahead Illan Meslier and former Magpie Karl Darlow, a move for Pope is seen as too expensive.

“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.”

The comment “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.” would hint that we are asking for more than £10m for Pope’s services.

Good or bad news for Newcastle?

Even having just turned 33-years-old, Nick Pope is still a very adept Premier League-quality keeper.

However, the club desperately need to bring a young keeper as soon as possible and give him game time, with the likes of Pope, Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos and more being a huge portion of the wage budget and squad space.

Pope had been a strong option to be sold to allow further squad development and give us some more PSR breathing by room for the summer.

Although Sky Sport’s Keith Downie previously hinted that Pope would stay and likely summer signing James Trafford would compete with his compatriot for the no.1 spot, Pope enters the final year of his contract next season.

If a side like Leeds United are opting against the England ace over his cost, then is it worth lowering our asking price for the player just to facilitate a move?