Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope
Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope wants to stay at St James' Park and play his part in next season's Champions League adventure.
The Magpies have had an enquiry from newly promoted Leeds United, but the 33-year-old is happy on Tyneside and is now actively seeking a move. With two years left on his contract and in his peak goalkeeping years, Pope is ready to put up a fight for the number 1 spot.
Pope lost his place briefly last season after a knee injury kept him out during the winter but he wrestled the gloves back off Martin Dubravka to star in the Carabao Cup final win against Liverpool, while also keeping his place for the club's Champions League push.
A goalkeeping departure is needed in order to pave the way for an arrival such as James Trafford or Aaron Ramsdale, with the stopper department currently over-subscribed.
Both Odysseas Vlachodimos and Martin Dubravka could depart this summer, but both are under contract. The Greek international has played half a game at United and will only leave if a club matches his £50,000 per week salary.
It makes for a tricky summer in the keeper department for Eddie Howe with the head coach knowing the arrival of a keeper demanding to be No 1 will have implications on the current set-up.
Newcastle United reserve goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos (2nd left) and Martin Dubravka and John Ruddy (r) with coach Adam Bartlett
Newcastle United;s Odysseas Vlachodimos (2nd left) and Martin Dubravka and John Ruddy (r) with coach Adam Bartlett
It's also a doubled edged sword for the Magpies with Dubravka and Vlachodimos unlikely to be classed as No 3 and No 4 but also not in a hurry to leave unless somebody betters their salary.
Pope could find himself in a position where Newcastle accept an offer but he would then need a tempting offer to lure him away from a club he has fallen in love with since arriving from Burnley in 2022.
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