Report: Celtic monitoring Newcastle’s Nick Pope | OneFootball

Celtic are reportedly considering a move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope. The 34-year-old is expected to be out of the picture at St James’ Park, which could allow for a summer departure.

As per Craig Hope in The Daily Mail, Celtic are monitoring Pope’s situation and could make a move for the seasoned ‘keeper. The report states that the NUFC hierarchy have informed the ex-England International that he is free to leave this summer.

Martin O’Neill has already confirmed that the Scottish Champions are in the market for a new goalkeeper but links have been thin on the ground. Pope would represent an interesting option – following the Joe Hart path in coming to Celtic later in his career but still with a lot of pedigree. Gary O’Neil’s Ipswich Town are also interested in Pope.

Pope was an Ipswich Season Ticket Holder in his youth and you would imagine that he would relish the chance to join The Tractor Boys.

Celtic are looking for a new goalkeeper to compete with Vil Sinisalo. The Finnish goalkeeper deputised for Kasper Schmeichel but took over as No.1 in March of this year before the Dane retired. With only Ross Doohan as the other first team option, Celtic are needing another keeper to bolster their options.

Hart came to Celtic having been one of England’s best goalkeepers for a number of years, while Pope hasn’t been at that level, he has shown himself to be a capable and consistent operator at the top level.