Newcastle heading for new season with Nick Pope as first choice - Report

Newcastle United were thought to be in the market for a new first-choice goalkeeper this summer.

Ross Wilson has already brought in 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen, who will go into Eddie Howe's squad as a second-choice option, but talk remains of a potential new first-choice stopper yet to come.

That being said, Newcastle recently walked away from James Trafford after being strongly linked for the last three years, and despite being offered the chance to sign Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, no approach has been made.

A report from The Chronicle also confirms that Newcastle have no interest in Freiburg's Noah Atubolu despite reports from Germany claiming they do.

Nick Pope to start the season as No.1?

That has led The Chronicle to suggest that Eddie Howe is ready to attack the new season with Nick Pope between the sticks once again.

Howe is thought to be very pleased with Pope in training and is happy with his attitude and application in spite of all the rumours of an exit.

Nick Pope is in the last year of his contract at Newcastle and has been linked with a move away this summer. Ipswich Town are still thought to be interested, but no approach has been made as yet.

Why no movement in the window?

Obviously, we'll get behind Nick Pope if he is still our No.1 when the season kicks off, but in all honesty, he should have been replaced last year, so to go into this season with him still as first choice isn't a great look.

Not to be too hyperbolic or anything, it's borderline terrifying. We still believe Pope is an excellent shot-stopper, but there's more to being a modern goalkeeper than just getting in the way of shots, and it's every other aspect of the game where he falls down. His decision-making is frightening at times, and his kicking is atrocious.

We do feel it's too early to say that he will be our No.1 when Liverpool comes to St James' Park, but the lack of activity goalkeeper-wise is certainly a cause for concern right now.