Newcastle in shock move for De Gea

NeWcastLe are considering a 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 considered the most likely course of action. there is an expectation that he could be out for four months after being forced off in the closing stages of newcastle’s 1-0 win over Manchester United with a repeat of the dislocated shoulder problem he suffered while at Burnley.

On that occasion, the goalkeeper did not play for just over five months between July 2018 and January 2019.

newcastle are hopeful his absence this time will not be quite as long and that he will be back before the end of the season. however, the length of his spell on the sidelines and severity of his injury will become clearer after seeing specialists over the next 48 hours.

still, his injury will be a major blow to eddie howe and newcastle with Pope a key part of their success since his £ 10million arrival from Burnley in June 2022. it will affect Pope’s hopes of regaining his place in the england squad ahead of the european championship and could also force newcastle into the transfer market to reinforce their goalkeeping department.

Mail Sport understands that De Gea is an 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. he would have obvious appeal given his pedigree, immediate availability and the fact he would not require a transfer fee.

the spaniard was on £375,000 a week during his final contract at Manchester United and would have to accept less than that to fit in with newcastle’s wage structure if they 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, who faced Manchester United in the carabao cup final last season, and Mark Gillespie among their goalkeeping ranks, though the latter has yet to play a league game since returning to the club in 2020.