Leeds have 'bigger targets' than Nick Pope as younger and better goalkeeper eyed

Leeds United are having "second thoughts" about pursuing a deal for Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope in the summer transfer window.

The 34-year-old is expected to become available after the Magpies announced the signing of French goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen earlier this week.

Daniel Farke's side are determined to land a new shot-stopper and have been among the clubs keeping tabs on Pope, but are now expected to look elsewhere.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Leeds have doubts about Pope's abilities and are now eyeing a "top-class" goalkeeper signing.

The position has been a key weakness in the squad under Farke, with Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow having battled it out for the number-one spot this season.

Leeds are now stepping up their transfer plans, with the recruitment team having already identified a number of options, while Pope's other suitors may be placed on alert.

Are Leeds in the race to sign Nick Pope this summer?

Football Insider reported on 8 June that Leeds could step up their interest in Pope, with Newcastle's efforts to sign a new goalkeeper spelling an end to his stay.

The former England international has been on Leeds' radar for some time, with the club having also considered a deal last summer when he opted to stay put.

However, that interest is now believed to have cooled given concerns about his performances, despite his many admirers at Elland Road.

"Nick Pope has always been a very highly-rated goalkeeper," Brown told Football Insider.

"It's no surprise there is interest in him if he's going to become available, because a lot of Premier League teams could do with a reliable goalkeeper like him.

"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?

"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."

What is next for Lucas Perri amid Leeds' goalkeeper hunt?

Leeds' pursuit of a new goalkeeper has raised questions about their current options, who would be forced down the pecking order by any new arrival.

They remain in negotiations with Darlow over the offer of a contract extension and hope he will stick around beyond his current contract's expiry date.

However, Brown told Football Insider that Leeds are open to offers for Lucas Perri and are prepared to let him move on if they can land a replacment this summer.

The 28-year-old arrived from Lyon last summer as Farke hoped he would be the answer to long-term goalkeeping issues, but he has failed to impress.

Clubs in Turkey and his native Brazil have reportedly been keeping tabs on his situation, and could provide an exit route after his Premier League nightmare.