‘Newcastle make Nick Pope transfer decision in light of James Trafford developments’
Newcastle United have made a decision on the future of goalkeeper Nick Pope amid growing interest in James Trafford.
The Toon tried to sign Trafford last summer but had a bid rejected by Burnley, who now demand around £40million for the goalkeeper following their promotion to the Premier League.
Eddie Howe is still keen to bring the 22-year-old to Tyneside, who kept 29 clean sheets in the Championship last season.
With Howe pursuing Trafford, the Newcastle boss has made a decision on his current number one Nick Pope.
Howe wants to keep Pope despite Trafford approach
The Athletic report that Howe is keen to keep Pope even if Trafford or another goalkeeper joins the club.
They say that Pope has no plans to leave the club and Howe just wants to increase depth in that department.
The 33-year-old also joined Newcastle from Burnley in 2022 and has established himself as the undisputed number one at the club.
Lille’s Lucas Chevalier is also on Howe’s list of goalkeeping targets should a deal for Trafford fall through.
Odysseas Vlachodimos could depart on loan whilst Martin Dubravka’s future is unclear despite him signing a contract extension in January.
Trafford a future Newcastle number one
Football Insider verdict
Replacing Pope has not been seen as a priority for Newcastle, but bringing in adequate back up and a plan for the future is what Howe wants to achieve this summer.
Dubravka deputised on 10 occasions in the Premier League last season earning himself a contract extension, but at 36 the Slovakian won’t be a part of the club’s long-term future.
Trafford would be a major signing at around £40m, but at 22 the goalkeeper has plenty of potential.
| Appearances | 73 |
| Clean Sheets | 31 |
| Goals Conceded | 78 |
Burnley are holding out for that sum as they look to use those funds to improve their squad ahead of their Premier League return.
The Toon do not desperately need to sell players this summer to adhere to PSR rules, but the club are open to offers for midfielders Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock and may prioritise other signings first before completing a deal for Trafford.
Howe is keen on a new centre back and is interested in Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga who could cost up to £60m.