Nick Pope's hopes of a summer move away from Newcastle United are in the balance, with the England international facing the prospect of being third-choice goalkeeper for the first half of the season. The Scottish and Turkish transfer windows remain open, and Celtic have shown slight interest in Pope, while Besiktas have until September 3 to make a move for Joe Willock.
Transfer windows still open
Both the Scottish and Turkish transfer windows are open for business today and tomorrow, keeping the door ajar for potential departures. A 23.59pm UEFA registration deadline tonight may also pressure clubs wanting to do business outside the Premier League. Windows remain open in Holland, Belgium, Portugal and the Saudi Pro League as well.
Newcastle sources played down talk that Pope could benefit from the Scottish window after failing to secure a move to an English club. Willock, meanwhile, has been earmarked by Newcastle to be part of Matthias Jaissle's squad for the first half of the campaign.
Pope's frustrating summer
Pope could end up being classed as the third-choice stopper for the first half of the season, a nightmare situation for the England international. With Lukas Hornicek deemed as No 1 and Ewen Jaouen the back-up challenger, Pope faces a struggle for game time under Jaissle.
Jaissle has been open and honest with Pope, saying: "I had a talk with Nick (Pope). 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. I always appreciate the player and the human being behind."
Pope has had a frustrating summer after talk of a move to Ipswich Town came and went, before Leeds United were linked with a move, and before signing other stoppers. The more recent talk of Celtic may have had more legs had the Hoops reached the Champions League group stages.
Willock's revival
Pope may have to see out the final year of his contract before unlocking moves elsewhere. An injury crisis at Newcastle could throw him a lifeline, but as things stand it could be a season of inactivity for the former Burnley man.
Willock, meanwhile, has seen a transformation in his situation. Having slipped down the pecking order under Eddie Howe, he is back in favour under Jaissle and scored a goal in the season-opener against Liverpool from the bench, before starting the next two games.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo's signing will add competition amid Willock's hopes of nailing down the No 10 role, but Jaissle was determined to keep Willock amid talk of a £17m Besiktas bid. The former Arsenal man could now be offered a new contract with less than 12 months left on his current deal.
