Newcastle United are closing in on a move for Burnley's Nick Pope and with the World Cup on the horizon, a move to Tyneside would make perfect sense. Gareth Southgate has already gone on record about including players in his England squad who are playing for clubs in the Championship and Burnley's relegation make things difficult for Pope.
Last year, the Three Lions boss spoke about Sam Johnstone's inclusion in the England squad, but felt the fact Pope was playing in the Premier League gave him an advantage over the Baggies shot stopper. Johnstone has since completed a move to Crystal Palace where he's expected to compete for the number one spot, shifting the odds in his favour ahead of the winter World Cup in Qatar.
Pope is undeniably one of the best keepers in the Premier League on his day and Eddie Howe's side feel they need to improve that area of the pitch with Martin Dubravka approaching the latter part of his career.
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Speaking earlier this year, Southgate: "We were very pleased with what Sam Johnstone did through the summer and his profile of being able to use the ball with his feet is important. But I think when you are playing in the Championship you have to be playing at the very top with minimal errors to keep out a goalkeeper who is playing well in the Premier League.
"Nick was I think slightly under par right at the beginning of the season but I think his performances from then have been good and strong. We know what he is about and he is a very good goalkeeper and I know Sean (Dyche) has a view on all of that but it is great to have him back in the squad."
Former Burnley boss Sean Dyche was also full of praise for the Clarets keeper after rediscovering his form last season. When asked about playing his way back into contention, Dyche told the Burnley Express said: "I never thought he wasn't at the level, it's just Gareth can only pick who he thinks is right.
"I certainly believe Popey is an England-level goalkeeper, but I don't pick the team, I have total respect for Gareth and he has to pick the players he thinks are right for his side.
"I think what he's done is make big saves, to be fair, in the last eight games, the other night is the most he's been called upon. The others he's made maybe one or two big saves, rather than lots of them, just the quality of save.”
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