Newcastle are considering their options, including a possible move for free agent David de Gea, as they await the results of scans on Nick Pope’s shoulder injury.
Pope is facing a lengthy lay-off, with an operation currently considered the most likely course of action amid an expected absence of around four months, after he was forced off late on in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Manchester United with a repeat of the dislocated shoulder problem he suffered while at Burnley.
Goalkeeper Pope did not play for just over five months on that previous occasion between July 2018 and January 2019.
Mail Sport understands De Gea is one potential option Newcastle have looked at. He left Manchester United in the summer after 12 years at Old Trafford but has yet to join a new club.
Though he was on £375,000-per-week during his final contract at Manchester United and would have to accept lower to fit in with their wage structure if Newcastle were to make a firm move for him.
Former Newcastle No.1 Martin Dubravka came on to replace Pope against Manchester United where he had a brief loan spell last season.
Dubravka helped Newcastle preserve their 1-0 lead as they secured a deserved victory against Erik Ten Hag’s side. Newcastle also have Loris Karius.
