West Ham United should be rivalling Newcastle United for Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope.
At the start of the season, few could have predicted that Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope would be in contention for a World Cup spot with England, but just three months out from the tournament, he is very much in the running.
The 25-year-old started the campaign sat behind Tom Heaton at Burnley, without a single Premier League appearance to his name. Now, Pope has emerged as one of the top goalkeepers in the top flight this season, starring in the Burnley goal since Heaton’s injury.
Pope is now in the England squad to face the Netherlands and Italy this month, and could challenge the likes of Joe Hart, Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland for a spot in Gareth Southgate’s squad this summer.
The problems may still be coming for Pope though, as Heaton is working his way back to fitness, and he may end up needing to leave Turf Moor this summer in order to guarantee himself first-team football, rather than risk being stuck behind Heaton again.
The Sun claim that Burnley are prepared to double Pope’s £15,000-a-week wages in order to convince him to stay, but Newcastle United are keen – and West Ham United should be pursuing his signature too.
The Hammers attempted to solve their goalkeeping issues by signing Joe Hart last summer, but he has struggled massively, whilst Adrian has proven that he isn’t the long-term answer either, meaning that at least one goalkeeper is needed this summer.
Pope may be tempted into a return to London having already played for Charlton Athletic, whilst West Ham should be attracted to Pope’s potential given that he is still young for a goalkeeper, and has already had one outstanding Premier League campaign.
A settled number one for the foreseeable future may just help solidify West Ham’s back line, and with the funds to match or even better Burnley’s offer to Pope, the Hammer should be putting Pope on their summer transfer wish list.
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