Newcastle United told why signing Nick Pope over Manchester United star is a ‘no-brainer’

Newcastle United are on the verge of signing Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope - with his medical pencilled in for Thursday.

The Magpies have agreed a fee with the Clarets - and settled on personal terms with the 30-year-old - ahead of completing his move to the North East.

Eddie Howe has been keen to strengthen his goalkeeping department with someone who can rival Martin Dubravka for the No.1 spot.

And England international Pope is set to do just that having played over 150 times for Burnley during his six years at Turf Moor.

It wasn’t that long ago since sources in the North West reported that Manchester United’s Dean Henderson would become a Newcastle player this summer.

Those reports didn’t come true however as Henderson prepares to join newly-pointed Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan deal.

Newcastle have completed their goalkeeper search quickly - and former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has already explained why signing Pope over Henderson makes sense.

‘Signing Nick Pope is a no-brainer’

He told Football Insider: “If I was going to sign anyone for a big fee, it would be Pope at Burnley.

“Pope is older than someone like Dean Henderson but all that means is Pope is in his prime.

“Pope has been unbelievable recently, I really do rate him.

“He would also be a lot cheaper than Henderson. I think Pope could be signed for next to nothing.

“Burnley need to sell and Pope won’t want to stay. They can get that deal done.

“He will be safe hands for the next couple of seasons and he adds a bit of depth there even if (Martin) Dubravka stays on.

“It’s a no-brainer for me.”

Pope will become the club’s second signing of the summer after Matt Targett’s permanent arrival from Aston Villa for £15million in total.