Newcastle United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Nick Pope.
The 30-year-old appears set to become the Magpies’ second senior signing of the summer, following Matt Targett to the North East.
He’ll swap the claret and blue of Burnley for the black and white of Newcastle, reportedly costing around £10million. That’s an absolute bargain for a top quality goalkeeper.
Pope will challenge Martin Dubravka for a place in Eddie Howe’s starting XI, and he’ll also hope to earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.
Signing a keeper of Pope’s ability is very exciting – it looks like it will be another smart addition by the Toon hierarchy.
Newcastle fans will be delighted, and so will West Ham…
Newcastle signing Nick Pope will end Toon interest in Alphonse Areola
The Magpies have been linked with plenty of goalkeepers this summer. There was speculation over a move for Dean Henderson, whilst there was the ridiculous claim that Jordan Pickford could make the move.
And another stopper reportedly wanted by Newcastle was Alphonse Areola.
The Frenchman was on loan at West Ham last season, and the Hammers want to sign him permanently. However, they faced late competition from Dan Ashworth.
Fortunately for them, Newcastle’s interest in Areola will almost certainly end now once Pope signs on the dotted line. That will give them a clear run to land the goalkeeper they crave.
Is Pope a better option than Areola? One is a World Cup winner, although that did come from sitting on the bench.
Areola would have been a decent signing for Newcastle, although I imagine a lot of fans would have been less confident that he could take the number one jersey from Dubravka.
Pope feels different though. He’s been absolute class since he made his Premier League debut, often winning Burnley points with his goalkeeping heroics. Hopefully he can do the same in a Newcastle shirt.
As for West Ham, they’ll simply be happy to see this deal finalised so they can keep Areola for themselves.
Newcastle sign the goalkeeper they want, West Ham can get the one they want unchallenged, and Burnley receive the money they need. Everyone’s a winner.