Celtic linked with move for Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope. Here’s what it means.

Would a move for the England International be a good idea?

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Celtic linked with move for Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope. Here’s what it means.

Celtic have reportedly been linked with an ambitious move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope as Martin O’Neill looks for a new goalkeeper before the end of the transfer window.

The England international has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent goalkeepers in recent years, although there have been questions over his long-term future at St James Park.

According to reports, Celtic are among a list of clubs that are monitoring the experienced keeper should Newcastle decide he is surplus to requirements.

A wealth of Premier League experience

Pope would bring an impressive pedigree to Celtic Park.

The 34-year-old has made 100’s of Premier League appearances for Newcastle and Burnley, while also earning England caps and representing his country at major international tournaments. His commanding presence and experience at the highest level would undoubtedly be seen as an asset to Celtic’s goalkeeping department at this time.

There are obvious financial hurdles that would make any potential deal difficult. However, if the Magpies are prepared to sanction a loan move and subsidise part of his salary, a move to Celtic might become more likely. Champions League football and the opportunity to compete for trophies every season might be the selling point at this stage of his career.

Competition for places

Should a move materialise, Pope would provide immediate competition for Viljami Sinisalo, who has yet to be confirmed as no1 for the season ahead.

Does manager Martin O’Neill see the benefit in bringing in an experienced international goalkeeper or is he looking for backup to Sinisalo for the season ahead. That’s yet to be established.

Opinion

At this stage, the links remain speculative and there has been no official approach. Whether Celtic do make a move for the Newcastle man has yet to be seen.

Nevertheless, Pope is the kind of profile the club have been attracted to in recent years with experienced premier league duo Joe Hart and Kasper Schmeichel previously making the move to Celtic Park. Is this the route Celtic want to go down again? An established experienced no1. Or will they look towards a younger keeper that can compete with Sinisalo for the jersey. It’s yet to be seen which road Celtic will go down in their pursuit of another goalkeeper, all we know is the need one though the door before the transfer window shuts.

What do you think? Will Celtic approach Newcastle for Nick Pope? Would it be a good move?

All views expressed on Celtic DNA are personal opinions and are for commentary and discussion purposes only

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