Newcastle will allow Nick Pope leave this summer and have held talks with Ipswich Town | OneFootball

Newcastle United are set for a significant changing of the guard in their goalkeeping department this summer, with long-serving number one Nick Pope expected to leave St James’ Park.

The Magpies have already held exploratory transfer talks with newly promoted Ipswich Town, who are keen to bring the veteran shot-stopper back to his boyhood club.

With Pope’s contract at Newcastle set to expire in June 2027, the club’s hierarchy are keen to cash in on the 34-year-old rather than risk losing him for nothing.

Pope’s status as Newcastle’s undisputed first choice has come under scrutiny over the past year following a dip in form, despite briefly regaining his starting spot from loan signing Aaron Ramsdale late in the season.

Newcastle have already agreed a deal in principle to sign highly rated French goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Reims, all but signalling the end of Pope’s time in the North East.

Rather than keeping an expensive, ageing backup on the wage bill, Newcastle are keen to move him on.

For Ipswich Town, the potential signing represents a remarkable homecoming. Pope was a boyhood season-ticket holder at Portman Road and spent six years in the Tractor Boys’ youth academy before being released at 16.

After their promotion to the Premier League, manager Kieran McKenna wants to draw on Pope’s top-flight experience and shot-stopping pedigree to help his side navigate the top flight.

While Leeds United have also registered interest in the ‘outstanding’ ten-cap England international as a short-term solution, Ipswich’s strong personal connection and the likelihood of more game time put them firmly in the driving seat.

Negotiations between the two clubs are expected to continue in the coming weeks.