How Leeds can now do the funniest thing to Newcastle and cause St James' Park transfer meltdown

Leeds United could potentially compound Newcastle United's transfer misery this summer.

The Magpies have had a difficult time with their recruitment over the last few months, which has clearly hindered their progress.

Eddie Howe has missed out on several targets since last summer and the Whites may hijack another deal from the Tyneside club.

Nick Pope is of interest at Elland Road, but Newcastle will only consider offers for the English goalkeeper once they sign a replacement number one.

The 34-year-old's future seems to be away from St James' Park, despite Howe describing him as a "top-class goalkeeper".

With the West Yorkshire outfit in desperate need of a new shot-stopper after Karl Darlow's exit, they may have to turn their attention away from Pope, which certainly wouldn't bode well for the Magpies.

Newcastle transfer misery can continue at the hands of Leeds United

MOT Leeds News continues to cover the latest developments around James Trafford's future at Manchester City, with the Citizens valuing the 23-year-old at £40million.

The Englishman is another option on the Whites' radar to bolster Daniel Farke's goalkeeping department at Elland Road.

According to Chronicle Live on 19 July, the West Yorkshire outfit have been linked with Pope, but are yet to table an official offer.

Newcastle aren't expected to entertain any bids before signing a new goalkeeper themselves and Trafford is their first-choice target.

What the West Yorkshire outfit should do is end their interest in Pope and push for the Man City star's signature, inflicting another heartbreak in NE1.

Sky Sports have reported on the multiple deals that have fallen through for the Magpies since last summer - from Johan Manzambi to Hugo Ekitike - and missing out on Trafford would likely send the St James' Park faithful into meltdown.

Daniel Farke should have one clear demand from 49ers Enterprises

Farke ended last season on a high note and has every right to deserve backing from the Leeds hierarchy this summer.

The Whites have made two exciting signings so far in Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic, but clearly need a few more quality additions before the start of next season.

Lucas Perri was signed from Olympique Lyon after one good campaign in Ligue 1 and has failed to live up to expectations in LS11.

What 49ers Enterprises must do now is focus their budget on signing a goalkeeper like Trafford who can be their number one for several years to come.

The Peacocks shouldn't look for a cheap goalkeeping option as a short-term solution for the 2026-27 campaign.