Newcastle United’s search for a new goalkeeper looks like it could lead them to Burnley’s Nick Pope.
The Magpies have been linked with plenty of stoppers over the past month or so. It did look like a deal for Dean Henderson was likely at one point, but that won’t be happening now.
The latest goalkeeper linked with Newcastle is Pope, with Sky claiming he’s a target for Eddie Howe.
Various other outlets have backed up this claim. The Northern Echo believe that Newcastle are confident they can sign him, while the Daily Mail reckon a move appeals to Pope.
90min have also weighed in on the ‘Pope to Newcastle’ rumour, and have reported how much it might cost to bring him to St James’ Park.
Nick Pope might only cost £12million
They claim that Burnley may sell the 30-year-old for a fee of around £12million. His contract at Turf Moor expires next summer, although they do have the option of extending it for a year.
The Clarets are in a difficult position financially following relegation, and could do with moving some players on. Pope is arguably their most sellable asset.
But getting him for £12million would be an absolute steal. He’s one of the best shot stoppers in the Premier League – he’s proved as much since his emergence in Lancashire in 2017.
Pope has often turned heads in the top flight with his stunning saves, and was even named in the PFA Team of the Year in 2020.
His heroics certainly caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp, who hailed the goalkeeper after a 1-1 draw with his Liverpool side in July 2020. Pope was incredible on that day, and was singled out for praise by the Reds boss.
“Nick Pope was obviously warmed up,” Klopp said almost two years ago.
“We warmed him up through the game and he was properly warm and had some really sensational saves.”
He’s perfect competition for Martin Dubravka – Newcastle must sign him
Howe has been looking for competition for Martin Dubravka for a while now. The 33-year-old has been enjoying a strong 2022 so far, but has been unchallenged in between the sticks. He’s started every game since Howe’s appointment bar one.
There’s no immediate need to replace the Slovakian, but Pope would be deemed an improvement for a lot of fans.
Dubravka has largely been brilliant since he joined Newcastle, but he is susceptible to the odd error. In contrast, Pope is probably more consistent.
His large frame fills the goal and can intimidate opponents. He’s younger than Dubravka too, meaning he could his long-term successor at St James’ Park.
There are some doubts about Pope’s ability to play out from the back, but the Daily Mail state that Newcastle think he can improve in that department.
He would arrive with a point to prove, battling for a place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.
And for £12million, he’s absolutely worth a punt. Getting Matt Targett for £15million was astute business, and a cheaper deal for Pope would be even more impressive. Being savvy in the window will allow the club invest more money elsewhere.
If Howe is adamant that he needs a new goalkeeper then he should look no further than Pope for £12million.