The telling Burnley response to Nick Pope’s rumoured £10m transfer to Newcastle United

Newcastle United have opened talks with Burnley over signing goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Magpies head coach Eddie Howe is keen to recruit a player capable of rivalling Martin Dubravka for the No.1 jersey, with Pope identified as a strong contender.

The Clarets relegation to the Championship - confirmed by United’s 2-1 win at Turf Moor on the final day of the season - means they are open to offers on their highest earners.

Pope, an England international, is one of them, and the 30-year-old himself is keen to remain in the Premier League, especially now the 2022 World Cup is on the horizon.

And with that, Pope would likely want assurances over a starting spot in order to make Gareth Southgate’s squad. Back up goalies Freddie Woodman - set to join Preston North End - and Karl Darlow have been strongly linked with summer exits.

Initial reports have suggested a fee around £8million-£10m is close to being agreed between Newcastle and Burnley, however sources in Lancashire understand the Championship club value Pope at a slightly higher valuation.

Pope moved to Turf Moor in 2016 from Charlton Athletic before making his England debut two years later in a 2-0 friendly win over Costa Rica.

The former York City loanee Pope has made 155 appearances for the club and has one year remaining on his contract.

Newly appointed boss Vincent Kompany knows he will have to part company with some his higher earners but is well stocked in the goalkeeping department with Wayne Hennessey and Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

Kompany has also been linked with raiding former club Manchester City for Kosovan keeper Arijanet Muric, who spent last season on loan in Turkey at Adana Demirspor.

If successful, Pope would become Newcastle’s second summer signing after Matt Targett’s permanent arrival from Aston Villa.