West Ham United are reportedly looking to capitalise on Burnley’s recent relegation and economic woes with a move for England stopper, Nick Pope.
What’s the word?
As per talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, in his transfer notebook, the Hammers are keen to exploit the financial uncertainty at Turf Moor by making a bid for the 30-year-old this summer, with the eight-cap international one few ‘saleable assets’ that the Lancashire club can cash in on.
Mike Jackson’s side are facing a perilous period due to their failure to stave off the drop, with the report outlining that the club now need to pay off a significant loan due to a relegation clause, hence the potential need to part ways with their first-choice ‘keeper.
Previous reports have suggested that they will still hold firm on their asking price, however, with the east Londoners set to have to fork out around £40m to secure his services.
One of the best
That figure may appear sizeable to those at the London Stadium, although it could prove a relative bargain for a player who has been a colossal figure since establishing himself as the Clarets’ undisputed number one back in 2017.
In 141 Premier League outings, the former Charlton Athletic man has registered an impressive 46 clean sheets, while the most recent campaign saw him finish joint-fourth in the division for saves made (121).
Should West Ham sign Pope?
An imposing presence at 6 foot 3, the £13.5m-rated monster has already caught the eye of a notable West Ham figure, with Three Lions colleague Declan Rice dubbing him “one of the best in the world” when it comes to making saves near the top of the goal.
The praise doesn’t end there, however, with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp having described him as “sensational” following a 1-1 draw at Anfield back in July 2020, as the £59k-per-week giant kept the then champions at bay.
Such displays have seeming become the norm for the dynamic shot-stopper, with it no surprise that GSB are eyeing a deal, particularly with current goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski having only recently turned 37 – heightening the need for a younger, long-term option.
Pope has also already proven his quality to David Moyes and co after producing a heroic display when the two sides met back in December to ensure a hard-fought point for Sean Dyche’s side, with that performance rubberstamping Rice’s claim that he is one of the very best in his position.
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