West Ham United are in contention to sign Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope as a potential replacement for Alphonse Areola.
According to a report from Daily Mail, West Ham United are closely monitoring the situation of Nick Pope. The Burnley shot-stopper has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Alphonse Areola next season, as David Moyes looks to resolve the issue in the goalkeeping department.
West Ham currently have two well-established goalkeepers at their disposal in Areola and Lukasz Fabianski. However, the latter is set to depart the London Stadium at the end of the season following four years of service.
It has prompted the club to search for a new goalkeeper in the market, especially amid uncertainties over the future of Areola. The Frenchman is currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. West Ham do have the option to buy him for just around £10 million, but the goalkeeper’s hefty £120,000 salary is proving to be an obstacle.
The Hammers are scouring the market for cost-effective alternatives. They are among the clubs in contention to sign Manchester United outcast Dean Henderson this summer, but there could be stiff competition from Newcastle United.
In Nick Pope, West Ham have identified another talent ready to be plucked for a cut-price fee this summer. The Englishman currently plies his trade for Burnley, having featured in almost 150 competitive matches for the Clarets. Pope’s services in between the sticks over the years have been critical in helping the club retain their top-flight status.
But after sacking manager Sean Dyche, Burnley are now on the verge of potential relegation. With 25 points on the board, the Clarets are in the drop zone with significant catching up to do if they are to move ahead of Everton and Leeds United in the pecking order.
West Ham are closely monitoring Burnley’s progress, as they are set to pounce on Pope in the event of relegation. With the World Cup just around the corner, the 30-year-old will be keen on retaining his Premier League status, and an opportunity to replace Fabianski and Areola at West Ham could be too good of an opportunity to turn down.
Pope could be a bargain for the Hammers given his vast experience in English football, coupled with his low wage demands, which makes him an ideal signing for the club this summer.
