Sky Sports and North East reporter Keith Downie has confirmed that Newcastle United are now 'keen' to sign Nick Pope this summer.

The Lowdown: Five signings?

The Daily Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards recently revealed that the St. James' Park outfit want to sign up to five new players this window, having already secured the permanent signing of left-back Matt Targett from Aston Villa.

They will now set their focus on other areas of the pitch, and given recent links to the likes of Alphonse Areola, it seems as if a new goalkeeper is being targeted to replace Martin Dubravka in net.

The Latest: Pope interest

Taking to Twitter, Downie has revealed that the Tyneside club are now 'keen' to sign Pope, who is 'likely' to leave Burnley:

"Newcastle keen on England goalkeeper Nick Pope, who is likely to leave Burnley following their relegation…"

The Verdict: Bargain?

Given the Clarets' relegation from the Premier League, Pope could be available for a cut price. Despite their relegation however, the six-foot-six giant was hardly to blame, as fellow teammate Ashley Barnes hailed his ‘outstanding‘ performances towards the end of the season.

In fact, the England international was the second-best performing goalkeeper in the division after Liverpool shot-stopper Alisson (WhoScored), and will no doubt want a move back up to the Premier League in order to stay on Gareth Southgate's plans ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Pope actually shares the same agent as three Magpies players, and so this could further help push a deal through.

In other news, find out which 'deadly' colossus NUFC now 'like' here!