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Manchester United have been on the hunt for a new goalkeeper this summer, and Nick Pope is one of the names on the Red Devils' radar with Newcastle on the verge of signing Aaron Ramsdale
Manchester United have now learned Nick Pope is not for sale this summer, despite Newcastle United nearing a deal to sign Aaron Ramsdale.
The Red Devils have been linked with several goalkeepers as the future of Andre Onana remains uncertain, even though they only signed him from Inter Milan two years ago in a £47.2million deal.
The Cameroonian, 29, has made 101 appearances for United over the past two years. However, he has only managed to keep 25 clean sheets, letting in 148 goals in total.
United enquired about AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan at the start of the transfer window, but the 30-year-old turned down the move, reports the Mirror.
A bold loan bid for Aston Villa's first-choice keeper Emiliano Martinez was also made, but hopes of a deal were quickly dashed, with Villa only considering an exceptional offer for the 2022 World Cup winner. Now, according to talkSPORT, United are keen to bring in Newcastle keeper Pope, given his starting position at St James' Park is now under threat.
The Carabao Cup winners are closing in on Southampton's Ramsdale, with the Magpies having agreed a loan deal with an option to buy for the 27-year-old. Ramsdale journeyed to Tyneside for a medical on Wednesday, as Newcastle aim to inject fresh talent to challenge Pope for his position in the squad.
Despite rumours that the England international may depart the north east this summer, with Manchester United being a potential destination, Sky Sports has reported that Newcastle have no plans to sell him. It's understood that Eddie Howe is seeking someone to compete with Pope rather than replace him, due to his commendable performances at St. James' Park since joining in 2022.
Despite Newcastle and Southampton nearing an agreement, Ramsdale wasn't the Magpies' first choice to provide competition for their current No. 1. Newcastle had prioritised Burnley's James Trafford for much of the window, even submitting a £31m bid for the 22-year-old who shone in the Championship last season.
However, due to a buyback clause that Manchester City included in their deal with Burnley when they sold him to the Clarets for £15m in 2023, Pep Guardiola's side were instead able to secure him for £27m.
Pope was between the sticks for most of Newcastle's 1-0 pre-season friendly defeat to the K-League XI at the Suwon World Cup Stadium on Wednesday, with Kim Jin-Kyu netting the winning goal after 36 minutes. The Magpies may, meanwhile, face a significant loss as their star player, Alexander Isak, is considering leaving the club. The Swedish striker is exploring his options, with Liverpool appearing to be the most likely destination, although no agreement has been reached between the clubs yet.
For United, Ruben Amorim have heavily relied on Altay Bayindir during pre-season, due to Onana's hamstring injury sustained in training earlier this summer. The 27-year-old goalkeeper put on an impressive performance during United's goalless draw with Leeds earlier this month and played in the 2-1 victory over West Ham last Sunday.
Bayindir is also expected to start in United's match against Bournemouth at Soldier Field on Thursday, with kick-off scheduled for 2.30am UK time. Whether United will follow up interest in signing Pope, given Newcastle's firm stance, remains uncertain. However, considering Pope is in the final year of his contract, the right offer could yet sway things.
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