FourFourTwo understands that a Newcastle United veteran is likely to leave the club before the transfer deadline.
Newcastle United are getting ready to part ways with long-serving goalkeeper Nick Pope, with the 34-year-old's departure from St James' Park now moving into its final phase ahead of the transfer deadline.
Pope's position within the squad has changed following the appointment of head coach Matthias Jaissle.
The German coach has supervised a reshaping of Newcastle's goalkeeping department this summer, bringing in both Lukas Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen. The two are expected to be Newcastle's first-choice and second-choice goalkeepers respectively for the coming season, which leaves Pope clearly outside Jaissle's plans.
Jaissle recently spoke about Pope's situation after a pre-season game, confirming that frank discussions have already taken place over the player's future: "I had a talk with Nick. I really appreciate what he has done in his career.
"He knows exactly the situation right now and we need to deal with it in the best possible way."
According to multiple reports, Scottish Premiership champions Celtic have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Pope as they look for an experienced replacement after Kasper Schmeichel's retirement.
The England international has also attracted interest from Premier League clubs including Leeds United and Ipswich Town as he looks for guaranteed first-team football.
Although a move to either side now appears less likely after the two clubs completed the signings of James Trafford and Kjell Scherpen respectively.
Pope's exit would bring to an end an eventful four-year spell on Tyneside for the former Burnley goalkeeper. After arriving in the summer of 2022, Pope quickly became a favourite among supporters and a key figure in Newcastle's resurgence.
His standout season came in 2022/23, when he helped Newcastle finish in the top four and qualify for the UEFA Champions League, while also playing a major role in the club's run to the Carabao Cup final.
However, Pope's period in the North East also included setbacks. A costly red card against Liverpool led to his suspension for the 2023 Carabao Cup final, while repeated shoulder injuries kept him out for significant stretches of the seasons that followed.
His comparative limitations with ball distribution also ran against Jaissle's preference for a modern, front-footed goalkeeper who is comfortable playing out from the back.
FourFourTwo understands that Pope is prepared to walk away from a lucrative Newcastle contract that has now entered its final 12 months.
