Credit: Imago

Oliver Walton

Wed 4 March 2026 16:30, UK

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Nick Pope looks to be coming to the end of his time at Newcastle United amid new reports of their serious interest in Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Pope has flattered to deceive for Newcastle this season and his position as their number one goalkeeper is being questioned by fans following his latest mistake.

The Magpies stopper produced a blunder that allowed Everton striker Beto to tap home into an empty net as they won 3-2 at St James’ Park last weekend.

He also cost Newcastle a goal with a high-profile error against Marseille earlier in the season, and the club have been touted to make a new keeper signing and upgrade on his services this summer.

Newcastle could sell numerous big-name players ahead of next season, and Pope may well be one of them as Howe reportedly eyes a move for Verbruggen.

Newcastle make Bart Verbruggen their number one goalkeeping target

According to a new report from Newcastle World, the Magpies have identified Verbruggen as their top goalkeeper transfer target ahead of the summer window.

Tottenham and Chelsea are also interested in the Brighton stopper, but Newcastle are hopeful they can strike a deal and the Seagulls are thought to be open to letting Verbruggen leave if their asking price is met.

The finances of the deal are not set be an issue for the Magpies, according to the report, and it certainly seems realistic for him to end up on Tyneside this summer.

Verbruggen has emerged as one of the best young keepers in England over the last few seasons at Brighton, and he has a better save percentage, penalty record, pass completion rate and long ball completion rate than Pope in the Premier League so far this season.

He would surely be open to a move to Newcastle, but only to be their number one, which is where Pope’s career at the club may well be coming to an end, especially with Aaron Ramsdale potentially set to stay.

Howe may turn Ramsdale’s loan deal into a permanent transfer

Sources have told Football Insider that Newcastle could sign Ramsdale permanently this summer despote concerns around his performances when he has deputised for Pope.

The England international has kept just one clean sheet in his 15 appearances for the Magpies since joining on loan from Southampton.

Newcastle do hold an option to make his loan deal a permanent one, and signing him could well work for Howe and the club in terms of keeping some stability and continuity in the goalkeeping department.

Pope will surely leave St James’ Park if Ramsdale stays permanently, with Verbruggen now a clear top target to replace him as number one ahead of the summer.