'Need to see' - Matthias Jaissle reveals Newcastle United are still exploring late transfer exit
Nick Pope is surplus to requirements at Newcastle United following the arrivals of Lukas Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen.
Nick Pope could still leave Newcastle United, head coach Matthias Jaissle has revealed.
The 34-year-old goalkeeper is surplus to requirements at St James’ Park, with the summer arrivals of Lukas Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen pushing him down to third-choice.
Pope, who is out of contract at the end of the season, was made available for transfer when Eddie Howe was still in charge. As revealed by The Gazette in June, he agreed to join Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town, but a move failed to materialise after Kieran McKenna stood down as manager.
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The Soham-born ‘keeper remained part of Howe’s first-team plans during the opening weeks of pre-season but last featured in the 4-1 defeat at Bristol City on July 29, which also happened to be Howe’s last game in charge.
Pope travelled to the club’s training camp in La Manga but wasn’t involved in the friendly versus Valencia. It was there that Pope was informed by Jaissle that he wasn’t part of his immediate plans and was free to find a new club.
Nick Pope could still leave Newcastle United - Matthias Jaissle
However, following the closure of the summer transfer window in England and other major European leagues, Pope looks set to stay put, unless he is tempted by a move to the likes of Turkey, Switzerland or Greece, whose windows remain open.
It feels unlikely, but Jaissle hasn’t ruled out the prospect. The German said: “Yeah, there are a couple of countries where there are still options that players can move to, but also we are really clear in our conversations.
“I had a clear conversation with Nick already a couple of weeks ago about his position here in the club, and to make a move that's not only a club decision; it's also a decision of the player, often also from an agent. So there are many, many parts involved usually in deals, so we need to see.
“But for now he's a member of the squad, and I mentioned that already also in a press conference, that I really appreciate him and what he did for the club already, and how he's dealing with the situation right now.”