Celtic to overcome Nick Pope transfer hurdle with 'four-year' offer

Celtic may find it difficult to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope due to the wages he currently earns at St James' Park.

That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Bhoys will have to get creative if they want to land the 34-year-old.

Martin O'Neill's side have been heavily linked with a move for Pope in recent weeks, who has been left out of Newcastle's last three pre-season friendlies.

However, Wyness believes that the only way they will be able to tempt the former England international into making the move is if they can provide the security of a long-term contract for the veteran.

Celtic have had the addition of a new goalkeeper as one of their top priorities since the start of the summer, but are yet to add in that position.

Viljami Sinisalo has started the Bhoys' new league season as their number one, but the recruitment team remain keen to bring in a more experienced option.

Celtic set for 'trade-off' over Nick Pope

Aberdeen's former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs - believes that signing Pope would provide a "big upgrade" for Celtic between the posts.

The Scottish businessman suggested that the veteran may yet prove to be a strong performer for another four or five years, such is the longevity often seen from goalkeepers.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, he explained why Celtic may face a "trade-off" if they want to sign Pope.

"Wages are going to be an issue. What am I looking at, somewhere between £60,000 and £80,000-a-week? That's way beyond Celtic's wage structure," Wyness said.

"They're going to have to offer probably a four-year contract, which, for a goalkeeper, is very possible. So that's what they're going to have to trade off: long-term security for a lower wage.

"That would be a big upgrade for them in terms of getting Nick Pope between the sticks. I think for him, it might be the trade-off in terms of getting some European football, but there may be some bonuses involved in European results that could get his wages up.

"It's going to be a tight one, and one that could go either way. But I think for Celtic, that's all they could offer: a bit more of a long term security."

Celtic tick another box for Pope

Football Insider recently revealed that Pope won't push to leave Newcastle this summer, despite his recent absence from their matchday squads.

However, it is undertsood that if the chance arises for him to move away and get regular first-team football elsewhere, then it is something that he would be firmly open to.

Celtic are a club who would be perfectly capable of providing a starting spot for him, such has been their desire to replace Sinisalo of late.

The Glasgow giants have also had great success with the likes of Joe Hart and Kasper Schmeichel in recent years, and Pope could yet add to that list.