Ipswich Town are set to ramp up their efforts to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope, with new manager Gary O'Neil looking to push for new signings. Former Wolves and Bournemouth boss O'Neil is on the verge of replacing Kieran McKenna at Portman Road, with the Northern Irishman stepping away from management for the foreseeable future.
Change in Dugout Won't Alter Transfer Plans
However, the change in the dugout will not alter Ipswich's transfer plan, with Pope near the top of the wishlist. The Newcastle No. 1 is set to leave St James' Park this summer if United land a first-choice keeper in the coming weeks.
After signing back-up option Ewen Jaouen, Newcastle are now focused on signing a new No. 1, with Manchester City's James Trafford their priority. They have also been linked with Lens' French international Robin Risser and Brighton's Bart Verbruggen, with wholesale changes expected in the goalkeeping department.
Pope's Potential Exit After Four Seasons
Should United land another keeper, it will signal the end of Pope's four-year spell on Tyneside, with Ipswich and Leeds United keen on signing the 34-year-old. However, Ipswich are ready to make a concrete move, with boyhood Tractor Boys fan Pope said to be open to a deal.
The timing of any agreement remains uncertain, however, with Newcastle unlikely to sanction the exit of the former England international before they have a replacement in place. Trafford, Risser and Verbruggen are all on World Cup duty with England, France and the Netherlands respectively, although that would not necessarily hold a deal up.
Trafford's Priority and Ipswich Talks
Man City star Trafford is putting any negotiations in the hands of his family while he focuses on the World Cup, with Aston Villa also interested. Trafford wants first-team football next season after playing second fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma, and United have good connections with his camp having come close to a deal 12 months ago.
Talk in Suffolk suggests Ipswich have held positive talks with Pope over a potential move, and Newcastle won't stand in his way after four excellent seasons at the club.
