Celtic once again linked with Newcastle shot stopper Nick Pope | OneFootball

Celtic remain firmly in the hunt for a new goalkeeper, with Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan as Martin O’Neill’s only viable options between the sticks…

Viljami Sinisalo of Celtic reacts after the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 Play off round second leg match between LASK and Celtic at on August 25, 2026 in Linz, Austria. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)

With just under a week until the transfer window closes, the race is on to add a reliable figure as competition to Finland international, or even dislodge Sinisalo as the Celtic number one.

After links with Dinko Horkas and Tjark Ernst came to nothing, several names have been mentioned in the past few weeks such as Blackburn’s Balasz Toth and Wolves Sam Johnstone.

Sam Johnstone of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Shrewsbury Town on January 10, 2026. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Another name who was linked, but appeared to be yet another dead end was Newcastle United’s England international goalkeeper Nick Pope, until yesterday when he was once again linked with a move to Glasgow.

The 34 year old keeper still has very much to offer, having appeared numerous times in the English top flight as well as playing the Champions League last season.

Now according to The Chronicle, the club have shown ‘tentative’ interest in Pope, as they ponder a move for the 34 year old yet again as Martin O’Neill bids to strengthen the goalkeeping department.

The ten times capped England international was a regular under Eddie Howe at the Magpies, but had fallen out of favour since the arrival of new head coach Matthias Jaissle.

Lukas Hornicek has come in as the new No. 1 while Ewen Jaouen is warming the bench this term – leaving Pope frozen out of the St James Park squad, increasing speculation that the experienced shot stopper could be on the move.

The Chronicle is quoting from the journal who report there has been “tentative interest” from the Scottish champions Hull City and Ipswich Town before Tuesday’s English deadline.

Erling Haaland of Manchester City has a shot saved by Nick Pope of Newcastle United whilst under pressure from Dan Burn of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on February 21, 2026. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

However, a “serious” bid has not yet materialised and Pope could yet remain on Tyneside until January, unless Celtic make their move.

It is clear that Celtic require another goalkeeper to added to the squad this week and it would be unsurprising if the club are trying to sort out a loan deal with Newcastle for Nick Pope perhaps with an option to buy.

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