Nick Pope insists he has not been given any 'specific assurances' that he will be Newcastle United's number one for the new season. The England international signed from Burnley this summer, and will now compete with Martin Dubravka for a starting spot.
Dubravka has been the Magpies' number one since signing on an initial loan deal from Sparta Prague in January 2018. The 33-year-old missed the beginning of last season with a foot injury, but regained his place in the side following Eddie Howe's appointment.
However, this position in the starting eleven now looks to be in doubt following the cut-price arrival of Pope, who has eight England caps to his name and is targeting a place in Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad. Newcastle pounced following Burnley's relegation to seal a reported £10 million deal, and Howe described his second summer signing as an 'exceptional' goalkeeper who will add 'strong competition' to the squad.
READ MORE: Leicester's goalkeeper stance emerges amid Martin Dubravka interest and James Maddison bid
Dubravka has outlined his intention to 'fight' to hold on to the number one spot at St James' Park, although Pope is considered the favourite to start the season opener against Nottingham Forest. The former Burnley shot-stopper has confirmed he has been given no guarantees over his squad status, but is adamant he is in the 'perfect place' to progress his career.
Pope told the Athletic: "There are already top goalkeepers here and, no, there's no specific assurances I'll be number one. The manager wants competition in every position so we can improve individually and as a team. We always push each other. The problem as a goalkeeper is there's only one starting spot.
"But, yes, no assurances, though I feel this is the perfect place to push myself to the next level. If I can say after my career that I've been number one at Newcastle for a sustained period, when the club's at a really ambitious stage, that's something I'll look back on with great pride."
READ NEXT:
Martin Dubravka makes Newcastle United admission and sets out ambition in emotive statement
Frustrated Dean Henderson takes aim at Manchester United after Newcastle links
Why Newcastle United are watching their spending amid James Maddison transfer frustration
'Not going to change' - Eddie Howe reflects on Newcastle United's new dressing room leadership group
Should Elliot Anderson stay at Newcastle United? The big decision Eddie Howe has to make
