Newcastle United pencil in medical as Magpies consider £13m swoop for Moussa Diaby ‘alternative’

Newcastle United have reportedly taken a step closer to signing England goalkeeper Nick Pope after agreeing a fee ‘in principle’ with Burnley.

The Atheltic have reported the 30-year-old stopper will now travel to the North East to undergo a medical and the deal could be completed by the end of the week.

Pope impressed during the Clarets unsuccessful battle to avoid relegation and it now seems the 2-1 defeat against Newcastle on the final day of the season will be his final appearance for the Turf Moor club.

The eight-times capped England keeper will now provide competition for Magpies number one Martin Dubravka as Eddie Howe undertakes a refresh of his goalkeeper options.

Freddie Woodman’s eight-year stay on Tyneside appears to be approaching a conclusion as he nears a move to Championship club Preston North End.

And fellow stopper Karl Darlow could now be allowed to leave St James Park with Middlesbrough said to be among the club interested in the

Cottagers defender under consideration

Newcastle United’s search to improve their options in defence has led them to turn to Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo.

The former Manchester City academy centre-back spent time on loan with West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers before joining the Cottagers in a deal believed to be worth around £2million in October 2020.

After making 33 appearances in Fulham’s unsuccessful bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League during the 2020/21 campaign, Adarabioyo maintained his place in the side as they secured an immediate return to the top flight last season.

The Mirror have reported Newcastle have flagged up the 24-year-old as an alternative option with a deal to sign Lille centre-back Sven Botman still ongoing and the Magpies have also decided against a move for Atalanta defender Merih Demiral.

The centre-back was given wholesome praise by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola last season as he described his former academy defender as ‘an exceptional person’.

The City boss told Sky Sports: “First of all, I would like to say how happy we are all of us for what he’s doing.

“He’s a guy for the academy, finally, he took his position in the Premier League and we are more than delighted the level he’s showing.

“He deserves it, he’s an exceptional person and a good footballer.”

It is not the first time United have been linked with a move for Adarabioyo ahead of the summer transfer window.

Dortmund winger lined up as Diaby alternative

Newcastle have been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund winger Thorgen Hazard.

The former Chelsea and Borussia Monchengladbach star is the latest name said to be on the Magpies radar as Eddie Howe looks to enhance his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

German outlet Bild have reported the 29-year-old Belgium international is available for around £13million and could present a more cost-effective option to Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby.

The Magpies remain keen on former Paris Saint Germain youth product Diaby but are unwilling to meet Leverkusen’s reported demands of over £50million.

Bild have suggested new Dortmund manager Edin Terzic is willing to allow Hazard to leave this summer and Newcastle are said to be willing to meet their asking price to hand the Belgium international a second chance to shine in the Premier League.