Newcastle United are expected to target a new goalkeeper this summer as part of a broader squad overhaul, The Athletic's Chris Waugh reported on Tuesday.
Nick Pope's long-term status as the club's No. 1 is uncertain, with his performances in 2024-25 falling below previous standards.
At 32 and entering the final year of his contract, there are questions about how long he will remain the first-choice option.
"Goalkeeper is definitely a position Newcastle are considering bolstering this summer," Waugh wrote. "There may be quite a significant overhaul of the goalkeeping department, given John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie's contracts are up, and Odysseas Vlachidimos is clearly not in favour, while Martin Dubravka's long-term future is still not certain despite the Slovakia international signing an extension."
Newcastle are continuing to track Burnley's James Trafford, while Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale and Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher are also under consideration.
"Newcastle's long-standing interest in Burnley's Trafford remains and, while claims that a deal has already been agreed are premature, the club continue to monitor his situation closely," Waugh reported.
Waugh's report confirms Daily Mail's Craig Hope's from a few days ago pretty much considering a deal for Trafford being nothing but sealed.
Eddie Howe values Pope's shot-stopping ability, but his limitations in distribution could be a factor in the club's decision-making, something that Trafford should be able to do smoothly in replacement for the older Pope.
"One of the next phases of Newcastle's evolution is to have a goalkeeper who can essentially become an additional outfield player and contribute to phases of play," Waugh wrote.
While Pope remains in the squad and is back on the starting lineup following Martin Dubravka's recent demotion to the bench, Newcastle are aiming to create more competition for the starting role. The ideal scenario would be two high-level shot-stoppers competing for the No. 1 spot, which means Pope will more probably than not say goodbye to the XI soon enough.