The Mail claim West Ham are considering a move to sign Burnley and England goalkeeper Nick Pope. They are also weighing up a permanent move for Alphonse Areola, and have a £10million clause in his loan deal.
Pope, 29, has spent the last six years at Burnley – clocking up 51 clean sheets in 148 games. He is about to enter the last 12 months of his contract, though Burnley do have the option of another year. West Ham are interested.
The Hammers could sign Areola on a permanent deal from PSG, with the clause worth £10million – though West Ham are unsure about meeting his huge £120,000-a-week wages. They feel they could sign Pope for less.
It would be a sensational signing, with West Ham in need of a goalkeeper and possible even two – Lukasz Fabianski turned 37 today. Declan Rice is a big fan of his England teammate, telling Match of the Day in 2021:
“Popey is a top goalkeeper. Anything up top, he is probably one of the best goalkeepers in the world at saving them. He’s a top goalkeeper, and a great lad as well,” Rice said, after West Ham drew with Burnley in December.
West Ham eye Pope: Less than £10m would be a bargain for Burnley man
Pope is a top goalkeeper. A goalkeeper that is deserving of more than a relegation scrap. Yes, he is not one of the best with his feet, but he makes up for it in every other attribute. Most notably, his ability to claim the ball.
From set-pieces or crosses, Pope commands his penalty area. Anything between himself and 10 yards out, he is confident of getting. Twin that with his shot-stopping and leadership, and £10million is a bargain.
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