Newcastle United are close to completing their second Premier League transfer of the current window by securing a deal for Nick Pope from Burnley, according to The Telegraph.
The report adds that while Newcastle are facing difficulties in their attempt to land Hugo Ekitike and Sven Botman from Ligue 1 outfits Stade de Reims and Lille respectively, they are on the verge of snapping up Pope for a fee between £8million and £10m.
Eddie Howe’s men were linked with a move for Dean Henderson but the Manchester United man is headed for Nottingham Forest as things stand and the Magpies have wasted no time in turning their attention elsewhere.
Pope has been of the best shot-stoppers in the Premier League over the last couple of seasons but his heroics could not prevent Burnley from suffering relegation last time out as the Clarets saw their six-year stay amongst the elite come to a disappointing end.
Consequently, a host of big-name departures is expected at Turf Moor this summer with Maxwel Cornet and Wout Weghorst also set to secure moves away from Lancashire.
With the 2022 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, Pope is keen to remain in the top tier of English football to stand a real chance of making Gareth Southgate’s final squad for the trip to Qatar.
His arrival at St. James’ Park would definitely represent another fantastic piece of business for Newcastle, who have already acquired the services of the previously on-loan Matt Targett on a permanent basis from Aston Villa.
Off the back of an 11th-place league finish during the just-concluded campaign, Newcastle will be looking to challenge for a place in the top half and possibly secure European football as they head into their first full season under the ownership of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund.
