Online Reporter
MANCHESTER UNITED could make a shock transfer move for Nick Pope, according to reports.
The goalkeeper has excelled with Newcastle, but Eddie Howe is now reportedly targeting Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale.
Newcastle had been expected to sign James Trafford, having held a long-standing interest in the 22-year-old Burnley goalkeeper.
But Trafford’s former club Manchester City exercised a £27m buy-back option to hijack Newcastle’s deal.
As a result, Pope, 33, who has made ten England appearances, now faces the prospect of being displaced by rival Ramsdale.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper has also played ten times for the Three Lions and moved to Southampton last year after Mikel Arteta brought in David Raya.
Ramsdale was then relegated with the Saints, who may look to trim the wage bill in the Championship.
Man Utd’s Andre Onana has faced a flurry of speculation on his future after a downturn in form during his second season at the club.
And the experienced Pope could be perfectly placed to rival the Cameroon star for the No1 shirt.
As he is out of contract next summer, he is also likely to prove an affordable option for the Red Devils.
Ruben Amorim, at times, selected No2 Altay Bayindir between the sticks when Onana was struggling, but the Turk rarely took advantage of those opportunities.
SunSport understands that United are prepared to start the season with Onana in goal despite his less-than-convincing displays last term. —Sun.
