Leeds to take 'gamble' on signing England goalkeeper amid Nick Pope concerns

Leeds United have turned their attention towards signing Aaron Ramsdale after having doubts about signing Nick Pope this summer.

The duo, both of whom have represented England in recent years, spent last season at Newcastle United where they battled for Eddie Howe's number one spot.

However, the Magpies are organising an overhaul of their squad, meaning Ramsdale has now returned to Southampton and is expected to be available to move.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Leeds have been placed on alert by Ramsdale's availability and could lure him to Elland Road.

The 28-year-old is believed to be keen on a return to the Premier League and hopes to play a more important role after becoming a bit-part player at Newcastle.

Pope, meanwhile, has been firmly on Leeds' radar for over a year now, but they are now assessing alternatives after initial doubts began to creep in.

Could Leeds make a move to sign Aaron Ramsdale?

Football Insider revealed last summer that Leeds were keeping tabs on Ramsdale's situation and had considered triggering a release clause in his contract.

Instead, they opted to push forward with signing Lucas Perri while Ramsdale moved on to Newcastle, but they are now prepared to reignite their interest.

Signing a new goalkeeper has become a priority for Daniel Farke, and the Southampton man's availability could see them make a fresh move.

"Leeds are in the market for a new goalkeeper so they will be aware of his availability," Brown told Football Insider.

"Ramsdale is likely to leave Southampton and it's clear he won't be staying at Newcastle, so somebody like Leeds could well be tempted to take a gamble on him.

"He's not had the best season, Ramsdale, it seemed like he could never really nail down a place in the Newcastle team, so he will be keen to play more regularly.

"It wasn't that long ago that he was an England international, so the quality is there if somebody is willing to give him the chance.

"If Leeds aren't going to sign Nick Pope, and I expect that is the case, then his teammate from last season could certainly be an option.

"He's a good goalkeeper Ramsdale. Maybe not a top, top option that Leeds might hope for, but he could certainly do a job and would be an upgrade on what they've got."

Why have Leeds cooled their interest in Nick Pope?

Brown told Football Insider on 11 June that Leeds could walk away from their interest in signing Pope and have set their sights on alternative options instead.

Leeds have doubts about Pope's abilities, particularly with the ball at his feet, and are instead eyeing a move to sign a "top-class" goalkeeper this summer.

The position has been a major weakness under Farke, with Perri and Karl Darlow competing for the number-one spot over the course of the season.

However, there is a belief that Pope would not represent a major upgrade on either of those two goalkeepers, and at 34 years old, would also need to be replaced soon.

Pope could still be allowed to leave Newcastle, but a move to Elland Road is unlikely at this stage, as Leeds are now likely to target a younger option.