Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has revealed that Newcastle opted against moves for Man Utd’s Dean Henderson and Irish stopper Gavin Bazunu prior to striking a £10m deal for Nick Pope.
Speaking live from St James’ Park just moments ago, the North-East correspondent claims that all three goalkeepers were under consideration, however a move for the Burnley star was deemed the best “value for money” and a move that made more sense for the club financially.
Bazunu, 20, joined Southampton last week in a deal worth £15m from Manchester City, while Dean Henderson looks set to sign for newly-promoted Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan.
Downie reports that Nick Pope will sign a four-year deal on Tyneside, stating that the ‘financials involved’ in any move for Henderson wouldn’t have suited the club’s summer spending plans – especially when a striker, a centre-back and a right winger are also on Eddie Howe’s wish list.
Here’s what the Sky Sports reporter had to say on all three ahead of Pope’s imminent arrival:
“They looked at Dean Henderson back in January I think they looked to him again in summer transfer window.
“Another player that Newcastle looked at is Gavin Bazunu, the Manchester City goalkeeper who’s gone to Southampton.
“I think when they crunched the numbers, they felt that Nick Pope was the best value for money.
“Remember this is a permanent transfer for Pope as well a four year deal. He will sign at the cost of around £10million.
“I think the financials involved with the Henderson deal would’ve made it more difficult for Newcastle – remember they want to make sure they fall within the parameters of financial fair play and they want to make sure that they’ve got money left available to spend on other areas of the pitch as well.
“We know that Newcastle are looking for a forward, they’re looking for a centre back and of course they’re looking for a goalkeeper.”
