Newcastle United have continued their shrewd recruitment strategy already this summer after enjoying plenty of success in January. The signing of Sven Botman will, understandably, take most of the headlines but Nick Pope and Matt Targett’s arrivals have illustrated the continuation of Eddie Howe’s smart business plan.
The acquisition of Pope, in particular, seems a bargain at just £10m. The 30-year-old will be hopeful of displacing Jordan Pickford as England’s number one heading into the World Cup and he has chosen St James’ Park as the best place to continue his strong form.
Paul Merson believes that, of the summer transfers completed in the Premier League so far, Pope is the second best of the lot. Only Tottenham’s signing of Yves Bissouma was ranked higher by the former Arsenal striker who is impressed by the business being conducted on Tyneside.
