Newcastle have agreed a deal with Burnley to sign Nick Pope, with the England international set to undergo his medical on Thursday.
Pope will challenge Martin Dubravka for the No 1 jersey at St James’ Park.
Sky Sports News reported last week that Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was interested in the 30-year-old, who is keen to remain in the Premier League after Burnley’s relegation to the Championship.
Pope is keen to ensure he remains in Gareth Southgate’s England plans ahead of the World Cup in Qatar this winter.
The former Charlton ‘keeper, who was named in the most recent England squad, would be viewed as an excellent addition to Newcastle’s goalkeeping ranks.
Talks are also continuing for Sven Botman and Hugo Ekitike, though Newcastle are prepared to move onto other targets if progress is not made with either player soon.
“Newcastle have been shrewd operators in the summer transfer window thus far, with Pope’s arrival set to be the first new face on Tyneside after Matt Targett’s loan move from Aston Villa was made permanent.
“The position of goalkeeper wasn’t the most obvious area in need of an upgrade by the end of last season. Dubravka had been performing admirably in helping the club ease away from any relegation danger, keeping eight clean sheets and conceding just 35 goals in the 26 games he played in total.
“But Pope has demonstrated over several years just what a fine shot-stopper he is, memorably producing saves in away draws against West Ham and Aston Villa as Burnley’s quest for survival fell just short. It contributed to a superior save percentage for Pope compared to Dubravka.
“The Slovakia international is three years Pope’s senior, but at 33 he is still at a good age with plenty of experience to compete for the No 1 position.
“His superior passing accuracy would be missed if Newcastle are keen to shift towards a more possession-based approach, so Pope will need to show he is more comfortable on the ball, with a range of both short and long passing.
“It is big news for Eddie Howe and for Pope, who has a big few months ahead with the World Cup coming up in November. Playing regularly in the Premier League is a must, and so the move will have come with a degree of guarantee provided he can replicate the same form he showed towards the latter part of the season at Turf Moor.
“He has Jordan Pickford and Aaron Ramsdale in front of him at England but he’ll be looking to dislodge the No 2 position for his country.”
