De Gea back in the Premier League?

Newcastle got a deserved win over Manchester United two days ago but suffered a big loss in the process - Nick Pope injured his shoulder and was replaced by Martin Dubravka. And as the Magpies await the results of scans on Pope’s shoulder injury, with certainty that he will be off the field for several weeks - they turn their attention to a proven Premier League name, free agent David de Gea.

Pope is facing a lengthy lay-off, with an operation currently considered the most likely course of action amid an expected absence of around four months, after he was forced off late on in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Manchester United with a repeat of the dislocated shoulder problem he suffered while at Burnley.

Goalkeeper Pope did not play for just over five months on that previous occasion between July 2018 and January 2019.

The Geordies are hopeful his absence this time will not be quite as long and he will be back before the end of the season with the length of his spell on the sidelines and severity of his injury set to become clearer after seeing specialists during the next 48 hours.

Still his injury will be a major blow for Eddie Howe and Newcastle with Pope a key part of their success since his £10m arrival from Burnley in June 2022.

It will impact Pope’s hopes of regaining his place in England’s squad ahead of the EURO2024 and could also force Newcastle into the transfer market to reinforce their goalkeeping department.

De Gea is one potential option Newcastle have looked at. He left Manchester United in the summer after 12 years at Old Trafford but has yet to join a new club.

He would have obvious appeal given his pedigree, immediate availability and the fact he would not require a transfer fee.

Though he was on £375,000-per-week during his final contract at Manchester United and would have to accept lower to fit in with their wage structure if Newcastle were to make a firm move for him.

Former Newcastle No.1 Martin Dubravka came on to replace Pope against Manchester United where he had a brief loan spell last season.

Dubravka helped Newcastle preserve their 1-0 lead as they secured a deserved victory against Erik Ten Hag’s side.

Newcastle also have Loris Karius, who faced Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final last season, and Mark Gillespie among their goalkeeping ranks though the latter has yet to play a league game since returning to the club in 2020.