Ipswich are entering the race to sign Leeds United star Nick Pope

Ipswich Town are now in the race to sign the “unbelievable” Premier League player, but could face competition from Leeds United, who have identified him as their top target.

Ipswich hope a “different” transfer strategy will help them avoid relegation

When Ipswich was last promoted to the Premier League, they could not put up a big fight, collecting only 22 points throughout the season, which ensured that they finished in 19th place, 16 points from safety.

However, chairman Mark Ashton revealed that the Tractor Boys plan to do things differently in the transfer window that will open next week.

Ashton says: “I think we will have to take a different approach this year, especially regarding the recruitment of players and skills. But we will be ahead, the investors have said that they want to return to the top and we will go again.”

“We have a new recruiting department, we use data, but we’re not Moneyball, we don’t recruit players without data, we add it to the balance between purpose and consideration.”

Kieran Mckenna’s side are clearly looking to strengthen in attack, having already submitted a bid for Millwall striker Femi Azeez, but are also planning to improve their options at the other end of the pitch.

Ipswich are entering the race to sign an “unbelievable” Premier League star

According to Solezwe, Ipswich are now in the race to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope, who has just one year left on his £60k-a-week contract at St. James’ Park.

Pope is yet to decide whether to leave Newcastle, following the arrival of French goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, or fight for his place in Eddie Howe’s side, but if he wants to move on, two Premier League clubs could be waiting in the wings to secure his signature.

Of course, it’s not just the Tractor Boys that want the England international, who has made 10 appearances for the Three Lions, but Leeds are also keen, with Daniel Farke’s side identifying him as their top summer target.

The Newcastle stopper made 27 Premier League appearances last season, keeping seven clean sheets, and earned high praise from Arsenal star Bukayo Saka in September, with the defender saying: “In the past, we’ve come here and had decisions against us or anything, and almost today, with the penalty and some of the decisions, and Nick Pope has an unbelievable game.”

Although the former Burnley man has not been able to hold down a consistent place in the starting XI throughout the campaign, he is ranked very high with 90 saves.

Pope also has vast experience in the top flight, making 248 Premier League appearances, which could serve Ipswich well in their bid to avoid relegation.

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