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Paul Merson reveals why Newcastle should splash out £40m on relegated Burnley stopper Nick Pope

Burnley, Nick Pope

Paul Merson has said he “would pay” £40million for Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope, and highlighted Newcastle United as a potential destination.

Pope has been one of Burnley’s most crucial assets during his time at the club. The goalkeeper made north of 30 Premier League appearances in four consecutive seasons.

Of those four seasons, the Clarets finished within the bottom five of the league three times. With Burnley under the cosh more often than not, Pope helped keep them afloat.

The 30-year-old has kept 46 clean sheets in 141 Premier League appearances. Indeed, he was a big reason the club did not go down before their relegation this season.

Given his top performances in a Burnley shirt, Pope was rewarded with an England debut in 2018. The goalkeeper is frequently a member of Gareth Southgate’s squads, and has eight caps for England to this point.

It seems unlikely that Pope will remain at Turf Moor, following Burnley’s relegation. Given he is an international goalkeeper, he could certainly still play in the Premier League.

He has been linked with a move away from the side for a while. Burnley’s relegation has added to the links of a move elsewhere.

Sky Sports pundit Merson feels that Pope warrants a reasonable transfer fee.

“I’d pay it [£40 million for Pope], I think he’s that good,” he said on Sky Sports.

“I think he’s very underrated. I think he’s a top goalkeeper. In this day and age, everybody has to have a good goalkeeper.”

Merson feels Newcastle should look at Nick Pope

West Ham target Nick Pope and Dean Henderson, England

Merson also mentioned that Newcastle could be a potential destination for the goalkeeper.

“Newcastle [could be an option]. I know Newcastle’s goalkeeper [Martin Dubravka] has done great since he’s been back in. But I don’t think there is a problem paying £40million for a goalkeeper, nowadays,” he added.

The Magpies do have the money to splash on Pope, should they want to.

What’s more, they are likely to want to improve their squad, as they look to climb further up the table next season. A goalkeeper of Pope’s standard seems like an upgrade on what Newcastle already have.

As such, it could be a good move for them to look into signing the Englishman.

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