Sources: Nick Pope to Celtic latest after Newcastle deal agreed

Celtic have not made contact with Newcastle United or Nick Pope about a move this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The 34-year-old is being heavily linked with a move away from St James' Park after they signed two new goalkeepers, while the Hoops are keen to sign a keeper of their own.

Martin O'Neill plans to add a second-choice goalkeeper to his squad to compete with Viljami Sinisalo, who has now established himself as the number-one.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, any move for Pope to join Celtic is highly unlikely and is not currently being considered.

The finances involved in any deal for the England international would also put it beyond Celtic's reach, as they are unwilling to spend a significant fee on a backup goalkeeper.

Instead, they are prepared to assess a number of other options, with Pope's suitors elsewhere likely to be boosted by Celtic's lack of interest.

Why are Celtic being linked with a move for Nick Pope?

Football Insider reported on 6 August that Pope's stats could make him the ideal option for Celtic to compete with Sinisalo as they aim to strengthen between the sticks.

The goalkeeper made 36 appearances for the Magpies last season, but following the signings of Ewen Jaouen and Lukas Hornicek, is likely to be pushed out.

However, Celtic have not make contact over a move despite conflicting reports elsewhere, and are not currently planning to sign the Newcastle shot-stopper.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Yeah, obviously he's player whose future is up in the air with Newcastle bringing in two goalkeepers this summer as well.

"But my understanding is that there's been no contact between Celtic and Nick Pope.

"Celtic are in the market for a goalkeeper, but it's more for a number two to Sinisalo, who has done well since he came in at the back of last season and has that number one jersey right now.

"That would make a move for Nick Pope highly unlikely. I don't think Celtic would consider bringing in a player of Pope's experience or cost as a number two.

"I don't think there's any urgency from Celtic right now to bring in a new keeper, and I don't think there's been any sort of moves for Nick Pope in that respect either."

Which other clubs are interested in signing Pope?

Celtic are not the only club to have been linked with a move for Pope this summer as he continues to eye a potential move away from Newcastle after their new signings.

Leeds United were heavily linked with a move for the goalkeeper before they landed James Trafford, while a number of other Premier League clubs have shown an interest.

Football Insider revealed last month that Ipswich Town have held preliminary talks about a possible move for Pope as they aim to strengthen in goal.

Following their return to the Premier League, the Tractor Boys view Pope's experience as a valuable asset, while he is still a very capable shot-stopper.

That interest has not developed as things stand, but it has lingered, and there is a possibility Ipswich could make a move if Pope decides to push for a move away from Newcastle.