Nick Pope set for £5m decision as Leeds and Ipswich approach Newcastle - Report

Newcastle United's goalkeeper department looks set for an overhaul this summer.

Aaron Ramsdale has gone back to Southampton, and John Ruddy has been released alongside former Under-21 star Max Thompson, while Frenchman Ewen Jaouen is expected to arrive in a £24m move from Reims this week.

This leaves Nick Pope, who is attracting Premier League interest and faced with a big decision to make on his own future at the club, especially now he's entered the final 12 months of his contract on Tyneside.

Should Pope leave, Newcastle must sign an experienced replacement to compete with the incoming Jaouen, and it sounds like a move may be on the cards. 

Premier League duo battling to sign Pope 

According to The Sun's North East reporter Gary Stonehouse, Nick Pope is attracting serious interest from Leeds United and Ipswich Town.

This has been floated in recent days, with The Telegraph revealing Ipswich's interest last week, but the latest report claims that Newcastle has set a £5m asking price for the 34-year-old.

It's believed Pope now has a big decision to make: fight for his place ahead of Ewen Jaouen's imminent arrival from Reims, or end his four-year stint at St James' Park in search of guaranteed starts elsewhere.

Ipswich are thought to be keen on a Premier League-proven stopper following their promotion back to the top flight, and Pope knows the club well after spending time with the Tractor Boys as a junior.

As for Leeds, Daniel Farke is on the lookout for another goalkeeper, with former Mag Karl Darlow out of contract and Luca Perri struggling to impress since last summer's £14m switch from Lyon.

The right move for all parties? 

Overall, at £10m, Nick Pope has been a solid servant for Newcastle United.

He was part of the league's joint-best defence during the 2022/23 season and helped us lift the Carabao Cup last year, but it's fair to say injuries, a drop-off in form and his total lack of kicking ability have become a huge problem.

With his deal up in 12 months and his game time likely to suffer next season, a move to Leeds or Ipswich could make total sense for all parties.

Ipswich would offer him a move just 30 minutes from his place of birth in West Suffolk, seeing him return to the club he once represented as a kid, while Leeds could hand him regular game time in the Premier League, which he may not get at Newcastle next season.

It has to work for all parties, and Newcastle will have to line up a suitable replacement, but this feels like the right time for all parties in what must be a summer of change at St James' Park.