The Chronicle claim Newcastle could have a ‘free run’ at signing Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope – despite interest from West Ham, Southampton and Nottingham Forest. Pope is valued at £40million by the Clarets.
Pope, 30, is one of a number of key Burnley players expected to leave Vincent Kompany’s side this summer. The eight-time England international will want to maintain his place in the Three Lions squad, and relegation will not help.
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Among many other outlets, the Chronicle say Newcastle, West Ham, Southampton and Forest all want the ex-Charlton stopper. However, the report outlines why the Toon might now have a ‘free run’ at the colossal goalkeeper.
That is because, Forest are closing in on Manchester United’s Dean Henderson. Southampton have signed Gavin Bazunu from Manchester City, and West Ham are keen on completing a permanent deal for Alphonse Areola.
Newcastle could have ‘free run’ at Pope despite huge interest
It does make sense. Of the four clubs that are keen, Forest will hardly go in for Pope if they get a deal over the line for Henderson – with talks ongoing. Southampton have signed Bazunu, and still have Alex McCarthy.
West Ham have Lukasz Fabianski for another season, while Areola – despite Newcastle interest – is likely to remain on a permanent basis. Where else could Pope reasonably go, other than a move to Tyneside?
It would see him reunite with Chris Wood. Whether Newcastle can re-negotiate his £40million price tag remains to be seen. It is somewhat inflated given relegation, and he has a year left on his contract. £25million might be fairer.
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