Nick Pope ‘confident' of winning back Newcastle starting place

Nick Pope remains confident that he can win back his place as Newcastle's number one goalkeeper after staying at the club in the summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Pope has fallen down the pecking order at Newcastle this season under Matthias Jaissle.

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The 34-year-old struggled for form last season, making several errors leading to goals as he battled for starts with Aaron Ramsdale.

Newcastle signed Ewen Jaouen and Lukas Hornicek to bolster their keeping department in the summer, with the latter becoming Jaissle's clear number one.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Pope remains keen to fight for his place at Newcastle and is waiting to grasp his chance if Hornicek suffers an injury or loss of form.

He has been on the bench for their last four matches across league and cup with Jaouen out injured.

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Nick Pope still hopeful of Newcastle return despite transfer rumours

Pope was linked to both Ipswich and Celtic in the recent window, but failed to secure a move away from Tyneside.

Hornicek has started the campaign well after a £26million move from Braga, but the Magpies veteran is confident of winning his place back if given the chance.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "He has been on the bench for the last three Premier League games, so maybe he is sitting and waiting for his opportunity to come if it does come, if there's any injury or loss of form for Hornicek.

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"He's not pushing for a move away. He was happy to stay and fight for his place at St James' Park in the summer and that remains the case right now."

Sources: Newcastle make new Joelinton transfer plan after what he said Newcastle make Joelinton transfer plan after summer links

Joelinton was another Newcastle stalwart linked away from the club as they overhauled Jaissle's squad in the summer.

His pre-season muscle injury put paid to a potential Saudi Pro League switch, with Jaissle counting on him to play a key role when he returns to action next month.

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Newcastle do not want to sell Joelinton in the next transfer window.

He is under contract until 2028, and will have to take it upon himself to push to leave if he is keen for a new challenge.

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