Newcastle United make Nick Pope decision as three goalkeeping targets assessed

The Freiburg goalkeeper, who was reportedly a target for the Magpies in the German media, has not been approached by the Magpies. In a week that United made it clear they had cooled interest in England international James Trafford, an intriguing few weeks lie ahead at the KNOX as far as the goalkeeper department is concerned.

With Atubolu, Trafford and Parma's Zion Suzuki, with no offer for the Japan stopper so far, off the table, it points to Nick Pope starting the season for the Magpies.

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Newcastle have retained Pope on the squad list and handed him the number 1 jersey again and the ex-Burnley man could face Enterprise National League side Gateshead at the International Stadium today.

Chronicle Live understands that Eddie Howe has been delighted with Pope's performances and attitude in training during pre-season after starting the summer beneath a cloud of uncertainty.

Pope was expected to leave Newcastle and had been linked with Ipswich Town and Leeds, but he has remained on Tyneside and could see out the final year of his contract at St James' Park as things stand.

The 34-year-old was given a vote of confidence when Newcastle sent Aaron Ramsdale back to Southampton and did not take up the option of buying the England international.

Newcastle boss Howe did not entertain the idea of taking another look at Odysseas Vlachodimos despite the Greek international playing a full season with Sevilla.

Instead, Vlachodimos was loaned back to the La Liga club and Howe got to work with Pope and French youngster Ewen Jaouen who joined from Reims this summer.

When asked about his future last year, Pope said: "There will always be goalkeepers linked with Newcastle, whoever it is, that is part of the game.

"You can only ever focus on yourself and what is best for yourself and the team at the time.

"It was always far from my thoughts to leave, but there was no doubt in my mind about playing for anyone but Newcastle United.

"I could quite easily finish my career with Newcastle, I don't want to sound like an idiot or a p**** but I feel like I am a really good goalkeeper and have played a lot of Premier League games.."