Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope with Eddie Howe inset

Nick Pope could leave NewcastleImago

Sources: Ipswich Town make Nick Pope move as Newcastle accelerate signing plan

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Published on:

04 Jul 2026, 10:10 am

Ipswich Town have made a preliminary move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope, sources have told Football insider.

The Magpies are willing to sell the 34-year-old for £10-12million as they lay the groundwork for a new keeper signing.

The asking price for Pope is expected to be a stumbling block for newly-promoted Ipswich but, with just one year remaining on his contract, there is hope that fee can come down.

Sources say Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford is a top target for Newcastle, who lead the race for a player keen to be a number one after spending last season playing second fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Ipswich are keen to sign a new number one of their own ahead of their return to the Premier League, with new manager Gary O'Neil eager to land a proven operator at that level.

The former Strasbourg boss took over last month after Kieran McKenna decided to step down.

We are delighted to announce Gary O'Neil as our new Manager.

The 43-year-old, who is the 20th manager in the Blues’ 90-year professional history, arrives at Portman Road from French side Strasbourg, signing a three-year deal to the summer of 2029.
— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) June 23, 2026

Can Nick Pope still perform in the Premier League?

Newcastle signed Ewen Jaouen in a deal worth around £24m last month, and many expected that the highly-rated 20-year-old would be the number one.

But decision-makers at St James' Park are targeting a total revamp of Eddie Howe's goalkeeping options after a disappointing season.

Pope has never been a good option with the ball at his feet, but in recent years, mistakes have begun to creep into the rest of his game, too.

The 34-year-old lost his place to Aaron Ramsdale for five Premier League games in March after a shocking mistake in Newcastle's loss to Everton.

The stats suggest a decline, too. The former Burnley goalkeeper ended the season with -3.50 goals prevented - a number only Guglielmo Vicario and Bernd Leno could offer worse than.

Pope remains a good cross-claimer, however, and certainly is capable or producing some brilliant saves. For a team like Ipswich, he may well be ideal.

Sources: Ipswich Town register interest in Nick Pope with Newcastle ready to accept offer

Sources: Newcastle in 'pole position' to sign James Trafford