The Magpies are close to allowing Martin Dubravka to leave following the arrival of Aaron Ramsdale
Newcastle United goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale (left) and Nick Pope
Newcastle United goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale (left) and Nick Pope
Newcastle United will have an intense battle for the No 1 shirt next season as Eddie Howe's goalkeeper plan became clearer today.
Veteran shot-stopper Martin Dubravka is reportedly close to a move to Premier League new boys Burnley, leaving Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale in a straight shoot-out for a starting position.
Reports over the weekend suggested Howe will stick with Pope despite Ramsdale's arrival from Southampton - but the former England keeper now has serious competition for his place.
While Dubravka has been an strong back-up option in recent seasons, Pope has regularly won his spot back following injuries and suspension, most recently ahead of the Carabao Cup final last March.
However, that could change with Ramsdale in the squad, with the former Arsenal star more likely to keep his place in the side should he get a first-team opportunity.
The signing of Ramsdale had been seen as a signal in some quarters that Pope could perhaps be sold this summer, with Leeds United said to be keen on the 33-year-old.
However, Dubravka's potential departure to Burnley will leave Pope and Ramsdale as the two first-team keepers, with John Ruddy, Mark Gillespie and youngster Max Thompson ready to step up if necessary.
Thompson, 20, featured against the K-League XI last week and signed a new contract extension with United last month, after a spell on loan at Chesterfield last season.
Burnley are keen on Dubravka after seeing former Newcastle target James Trafford move to Manchester City last week.
Trafford has been a long-term target for United, but City activated a clause in his contract to bring him back to the Etihad, where he had started his career.
Should Dubravka complete the switch to Turf Moor, it would bring to an end a seven-year spell on Tyneside for the 36-year-old.
He has made 179 appearances for United since joining from Sparta Prague, initially on loan, under Rafa Benitez in 2018.
Ramsdale could be set for his first Newcastle appearance in either of the two remaining pre-season games, with United hosts Espanyol on Friday night, before facing Atletico Madrid at St James' Park on Saturday.