Newcastle United are reportedly leading the charge to sign Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope this summer.
Pope went into this campaign looking set to be one of the set in stone understudy goalkeepers in the division having only made 33 previous appearances at a level higher than League Two, and given that he was playing alongside Tom Heaton, who has been one of the league’s most impressive stoppers since the Clarets’ most recent promotion.
However, Heaton’s shoulder injury early on in the season gave Pope his chance and he has grasped the opportunity with both hands. Not only does he continue to keep the 31-year-old out of the side, but he has now been called up for the England squad for their upcoming friendlies and is arguably the most in-form keeper available to Gareth Southgate.
The Sun reports that Newcastle are keen to sign the stopper and the Clarets are hoping that a bumper new deal will tempt Pope to stay at Turf Moor – but that may raise questions about Heaton’s future.
If Pope does decide to sign a new deal with Burnley, Newcastle should arguably simply switch their attention to Heaton as he is undoubtedly too good to be a second choice option.
If Rafa Benitez does need a new number one at the end of the campaign, Heaton would be a fantastic signing. He rarely lets Burnley down and his record before this season was exceptional – he had missed just three league games in his first four seasons with the Clarets.
Missing out on Pope would be a blow for the Magpies given how good the stopper has been, but if it raises concerns about Heaton’s future, perhaps it could still prove a blessing in disguise for Newcastle.