Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope has reportedly been told he can leave the club this summer, with both Ipswich Town and Celtic keen on signing the 34-year-old.
Pope has been an influential figure since moving to St. James' Park from Burnley in 2022, but has struggled for consistency in recent seasons. The England international played a key role in transforming Newcastle from relegation candidates into a Champions League outfit, but there have been concerns about his ability to play out from the back.
New signings and interest
The Magpies have signed two new goalkeepers this summer, with Ewen Jaouen and Lukas Hornicek signing for a combined reported transfer fee of £45m.
Pope has been linked with a move away from St. James' Park over the last 12 months, with Leeds United also linked with a move for the goalkeeper. However, the Whites have signed Man City shot stopper James Trafford in an ambitious transfer, closing one possible avenue.
Celtic and Ipswich keen
Celtic are reportedly plotting a move for Pope this summer, with Martin O'Neil planning further additions to bolster their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. Ipswich Town are also being linked with a move for Pope, as they look to strengthen their squad and avoid relegation from the top flight.
The reports follow on from the England international meeting with new Magpies' boss Matthias Jaissle, who has told Pope he's free to leave St. James' Park.
Jaissle confirms conversation
Pope trained with the Newcastle squad in their warm weather training camp in La Manga, but was left out of the team that defeated Valencia 2-1 at the Mestalla at the weekend.
Explaining his conversation with Pope, Jaissle said: "I had a talk with Nick. I really appreciate what he did in his career so far. He knows exactly the situation right now and we need to deal with it in the best possible way, but I always appreciate the player and the human being behind."
Pope has made 131 appearances for Newcastle since joining the club from Burnley back in 2022, helping the Magpies win the Carabao Cup and qualify for the Champions League.
