Ipswich Town backed to agree Nick Pope deal on ‘reduced terms’ amid 'dressing room' reveal
Ipswich Town are likely to get their move to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope over the line in the coming weeks.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the 34-year-old “wants” to move to Portman Road this summer.
This comes after Football Insider revealed last week that the newly-promoted side are accelerating their interest in a bid to re-sign their former academy prospect.
Wyness believes that the £10million mark will be the sweet spot for the Tractor Boys to seal a move for Pope, and added that a move to the Suffolk outfit would likely come with a significant reduction on his current deal at Newcastle.
The veteran gloveman kept seven clean sheets in 27 Premier League appearances last term, but the Tynesiders are now looking to cash in on him in the final year of his contract.
Ewen Jaouen has already arrived as his replacement at St James’ Park, and is not expected to be the Magpies’ last goalkeeping addition of the summer.
Keith Wyness: Ipswich to tempt Nick Pope with contract ‘bonuses’
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Ipswich will use a series of “bonuses” to boost Pope’s contract if he makes the move.
The Scottish businessman believes they are incapable of matching his lofty basic wages at Newcastle, but will instead structure their deal in an appealing manner for the player.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, he also acknowledged that a move for Pope is a risk for Ipswich.
“34 for a keeper is not too bad, but I think it would be slightly (a risk). I think they're going to get away with a deal closer to £10m,” Wyness said.
“His personal terms will have bonuses and structures in there. Apparently he's an old Ipswich fan. He grew up there in Soham, very close to Ipswich. So it's all there for him to come back and finish his career and do really well at Ipswich.
“He'll be motivated and I think he's still got talent. He's a good ‘keeper, and I think he brings a lot of skill and experience in the dressing room. I think it could be good for both clubs.
“So I hope they get it done, but I think it'll be on reduced terms. All parties can agree this is where he wants to be and I think he can do a good job for Ipswich.”
Ipswich eye move for relegated West Ham star
Football Insider revealed at the end of June that Ipswich are weighing up a move to sign West Ham defender Max Kilman after the Irons’ relegation to the Championship.
The Tractor Boys are in the market for a proven centre-back after their promotion to the Premier League, and have earmarked the former Wolves captain as a potential option.
Sources say that any approach for Kilman is likely to be for a season-long loan deal, rather than an attempt to sign him permanently.
The 29-year-old made 21 appearances in the top-flight last season, but fell out of favour with Nuno Espirito Santo in the second half of the campaign.