Newcastle could be Nick Pope’s best option if Dubravka’s dip continues

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Newcastle United are reportedly amongst the group of sides monitoring Nick Pope’s situation at Burnley.

Newcastle United are amongst the lengthy list of Premier League sides keeping a keen eye on Nick Pope’s fortunes at Burnley, according to a report from the Daily Mail.

Pope has been injured for much of the season. But based on his form last year, it seems staggering that he often cannot get into Sean Dyche’s matchday squads, with Tom Heaton and Joe Hart ahead of him in the pecking order right now.

The Daily Mail names Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and the Magpies as admirers of the England international, with the Gunners seemingly particularly keen on signing him in the summer.

It is not difficult to see why Pope would be interested in a move. He is not playing right now, and there definitely could be some exciting opportunities put on the table.

Rafa Benitez would be forgiven for being concerned that his side stand little chance of competing with some of the teams linked with Pope, should they decide to confirm their interest with a bid.

Joining one of the other sides would obviously hand Pope a better chance of winning trophies, and they would surely offer much more lucrative terms than Newcastle would be happy to provide.

However, Newcastle must not be ruled out of the running to land the goalkeeper’s signature given the dip in form that Martin Dubravka has endured in recent times.

Dubravka has looked like an inspired signing for much of his spell at St James’ Park. In fact, the Toon Army would probably struggle to name many better deals that the club have completed in recent years.

But despite his success, it cannot be ignored that he has been less reliable in recent weeks – culminating in the stoppage-time error that cost Newcastle a win at Wolves in their latest fixture.

Dubravka has the quality to turn his fortunes around. But if he cannot rediscover his previous form before the campaign concludes, then Benitez would be wise to consider targeting a new number one in the summer – if the Spaniard ends up staying and signing a new contract.

And given that seemingly none of the other interested sides would be looking at making Pope their first-choice goalkeeper, heading to Newcastle could actually be the best move possible for the stopper.