The old saying goes that you can’t have too much of a good thing.

Someone at Newcastle United clearly appreciates their goalkeepers, as we currently have five in our senior squad, potentially six should Aaron Ramsdale make the loan-to-buy switch from Southampton.

It’s an issue that’s needed to be addressed for over a year now, as it’s an over inflated department featuring some who are either nowhere near playing (Gillespie) or angling for a move (Dubravka) to play more.

And according to a new report, things may get even more complicated with Nick Pope, our starting goalkeeper, being linked with an unexpected move away from St James’ Park.

Bizarre transfer talk surrounding Nick Pope revealed

According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Man Utd are eyeing up a move for Nick Pope should Newcastle bring in Aaron Ramsdale.

The 33-year-old, who is entering the final year of his current contract with us, was widely expected to compete with James Trafford for the No.1 spot, but obviously those plans have now changed now the Burnley man is Man City-bound.

Both Pope and Ramsdale will be pushing for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad next summer, and neither man may be expecting first team minutes with the other present in the squad.

At Manchester United, however, Pope would make a strong case to start ahead of Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir. But we have our doubts about this one given Howe’s clear desire to have two quality goalkeepers battling it out.

Why a move doesn’t make much sense

A move to Manchester United at this stage of Pope’s career feels like an odd one, especially when he’s thought to be happy on Tyneside and eager to fight for his place with Champions League football to come.

With the trust of Eddie Howe behind him, and right now a much better defence in front of him, to join a struggling side without European football would be a move many would question.

You also have to consider the status of Ramsdale. Should he join us, he’s likely only doing so on a loan with an option to buy, meaning we are in no position to sell our current No 1.

His contract situation leaves us wondering slightly, but we just can’t see him departing – or us doing any favours to Man Utd – when Ramsdale arrival is a risk in itself.