Some big claims have emerged from The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards in the last few moments regarding a potential move for Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope.
The North-East reporter has revealed that we are ‘close’ to signing the England international for a fee in the region of £8-10m.
He states that a deal for Pope is ‘more advanced’ than ongoing moves for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike and Lille centre back Sven Botman, with the 30-year-old said to be ‘desperate’ to complete a move to St James’ Park.
Pope’s arrival would provide competition for current number one Martin Dubravka, with a new goalkeeper appearing likely as Freddie Woodman and Karl Darlow edge closer to summer exits.
Woodman is expected to complete a loan move – with a view to a permanent deal – to Preston, while The Athletic revealed yesterday that Karl Darlow is now one of Middlesbrough’s top targets.
Back to Pope, The Telegraph report that Burnley are eager to sell following their relegation to the second tier and that talks have reached an ‘advanced stage’, with the player keen to complete a move and boost his hopes of featuring in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.
He’s not the ball-playing goalkeeper many expected Eddie Howe to pursue this summer, however this could be a smart piece of business if he’s to cost just £8-10m.
So do we really think Pope is coming in to replace Dubravka?
Surely he wants regular football.
I can’t see Howe bringing him in with the intention of replacing Dubravka, who has performed to a consistently high standard.
This makes no sense, unless Dubravka has already secured a move himself.
Daveys **** mate(Quote)