Newcastle United urged to secure free agent 'upgrade' after Nick Pope injury blow

Newcastle United have been told to make a move for former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea as they face up to life without Nick Pope for the foreseeable future.

The England stopper has been ruled out of action for up to five months after he suffered a dislocated shoulder in last weekend’s 1-0 home win against the Red Devils. Pope is expected to undergo surgery on the injury in the coming days and is highly likely to miss the majority of the remainder of the Premier League season.

Magpies manager Eddie Howe opted to hand a start to Martin Dubrvaka in Thursday’s 3-0 defeat at Everton and the Slovakia international struggled to stem the tide in Sunday’s 4-1 loss at Tottenham Hotspur.

The injury to Pope had led to speculation United could move for a replacement stopper on a short-term deal and the likes of Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale and Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris have both been mentioned as possible candidates for a move to St James Park.

However, it is the talk of a move for former Spain international De Gea that has continued to dominate the headlines in recent days, with reports suggesting the 33-year-old would be open to talks with the Magpies hierarchy.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has insisted De Gea would be a smart addition for Newcastle to make as they look to cope with life without Pope and stressed his surprise the former Premier League winner remains without a club following his departure from Old Trafford during the summer.

“I would say so after what he did at Manchester United last year,” replied Redknapp when asked if De Gea would be an upgrade on Dubravka.

“How long it will take him to get up to match speed, who knows? But I would certainly take him. Nick Pope looks like he’s going to be (out for) four, five, six months, who knows? It’s a nasty injury he’s picked up.

“When you’ve got a goalkeeper of that quality, I would do it now rather than wait because someone else might be in that position to take him quickly. I am surprised somebody hasn’t taken him already to be honest.”

The Magpies are back in action on Wednesday night when they face AC Milan at St James Park in their final game of the Champions League group stage.