Ipswich Town are leading the race ahead of Leeds United to sign the 34-year-old — a move that would represent a homecoming for a player who grew up as an Ipswich season ticket holder and spent six years in their academy before being released at 16.
The Shields Gazette confirmed that Ipswich have already held exploratory talks with Newcastle over a deal, with newly promoted Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna eager to add Premier League experience to his goalkeeping department as the club prepare for their return to the top flight. Pope's personal connection to Portman Road gives the Suffolk club a significant advantage over Leeds.
Leeds United, under head coach Daniel Farke, have also registered interest. The Yorkshire club are seeking a goalkeeper upgrade after Karl Darlow's reliable but modest performances last season, with Brazilian stopper Lucas Perri expected to depart Elland Road. For Leeds, Pope would represent proven Premier League quality at a cost-effective fee rather than a long-term solution.
Newcastle United have already agreed a deal in principle for Stade de Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, a 20-year-old France Under-21 international, for approximately £24m — a signing that all but confirms Pope's time at St James' Park is over. With his contract running until June 2027, Newcastle are motivated to sell now rather than lose him for nothing in 12 months.
Pope joined Newcastle from Burnley for £10m in the summer of 2022 following the latter's relegation from the Premier League. His debut season was exceptional — Newcastle conceded just 33 Premier League goals, the joint-fewest in the division alongside champions Manchester City.
His form subsequently declined, and he lost his starting position to loan signing Aaron Ramsdale during the second half of last season before briefly recovering it for the final two league fixtures.
He has earned ten senior England caps and remains a capable stopper, despite a difficult recent campaign in which his underlying numbers were among the weakest at the top level.