Exclusive: Leeds United target Newcastle United ace - Sky Sports man says he is "perfect fit" | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, David Prutton has been discussing whether Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope would be a good signing for the Whites.

Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope is understood to be on the radar of Leeds United, as they look to potentially find an Illan Meslier upgrade this summer.

Journalist Alan Nixon reporting via Patreon, has recently revealed that Leeds are looking for a new pair of hands in between the sticks this summer, and that they will move on from Meslier regardless of whether they are a Premier League or Championship club next season.

As well as Burnley's James Trafford, United have also reportedly earmarked the Newcastle shot-stopper as a potential transfer target; however, their chances of landing the England international largely depend on the outcome of their campaign.

Pope's wages may also prove to be a sticking point too, as the Magpies man is reportedly earning £60,000-a-week at St. James' Park - per Capology.

"Steadying influence" - David Prutton backs Leeds United to seal Newcastle United, Nick Pope transfer agreement

Speaking exclusively with Football League World, we asked Sky Sports pundit and former Leeds player, David Prutton: 'Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope has emerged on Leeds' radar. Would he be a good signing for the Whites this summer?'

Prutton said: "Nick Pope to Leeds - that sounds like a pretty good fit, doesn't it?

"He has shown himself to be a very steadying influence, which with the debate raging about Illan Meslier and the ongoing situation with who is the number one, time will tell over the next few weeks whether they stick with Karl (Darlow), or whether they go back to Illan.

"It seems to be Karl's jersey to lose. But they do need to address that in the summer. A dominant goalkeeper such as Nick Pope, having had the experience of playing for Newcastle and understanding that level of expectation, could fit very well indeed.

"But, he'd have a fight on his hands with the existing goalkeepers that are there."

Nick Pope would surely provide Leeds United with a huge upgrade on Illan Meslier

Leeds United desperately need a safe, steady and reliable pair of hands in between the sticks, and Pope would surely bring all of those qualities to Elland Road.

Football Insider have previously revealed that Newcastle United plan to accept an offer for their star goalkeeper this summer, ahead of what is set to be Pope's final 12 months under contract on Tyneside next season.

Armed with that knowledge, Leeds United may very well see this as a golden opportunity to bag themselves a proven Premier League shot-stopper, and one with international pedigree to boot.

The Whites will likely require top flight football next term in order to present a convincing sales pitch to Pope, however, who surely has aspirations of being on the plane when England travel across the pond for the 2026 World Cup.

Therefore, should the club's hierarchy wish to see the experienced goalkeeper make Elland Road his home next season, then that's just another reason as to why these next few weeks are absolutely vital for Leeds United.