Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope reportedly turned down interest from West Ham United and Southampton this summer to move to St James’ Park.
Pope joined Eddie Howe’s side from Burnley following their relegation down to the Championship at the end of last season in a move reportedly worth £10million having been a key player for the Clarets in recent seasons. A report from Chronicle Live claims that Pope had the chance to join the Hammers or Premier League rivals Southampton this summer, but instead joined the Magpies.
Speaking about the move to the north east after leaving Burnley following 155 appearances across a six-year spell, Pope explained that as soon as he learned of interest from the Magpies, he opted to join them.
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"There were other clubs potentially interested but as it got to Newcastle, there was no one else,” Pope told Chronicle Live ahead of Newcastle’s 2022/23 season opener against Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.
While the Hammers did not sign Pope, they have already completed the signings of four new players. Already, David Moyes’ side have signed goalkeeper Alphonse Areola permanently following a loan spell last season, as well as the acquisitions of Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes and Gianluca Scamacca.
West Ham are however close to extending that total to five signings with Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet having a medical in London on Thursday evening ahead of completing a £17.5m move from Turf Moor to the London Stadium. Should that move be completed, it would take the Hammers’ spending for the summer to around £100m.
The Hammers begin their 2022/23 Premier League season on Sunday at home to Manchester City at the London Stadium, with their first away game coming a week later against newly-promoted Forest.
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