Magpies fare in safe hands with Pope staying put

NICK Pope admits he would happily end his career at St James’ Park after confirming his current Newcastle United deal still has two years left to run.

- By LEE RYDER

The England international has been in fine form this season with a series of Premier League clean sheets under his belt.

But the 33-year-old will turn his attention this evening back to the Champions League hoping for another shutout after keeping Union SG at bay in the last European match.

Pope’s contract has been a subject of discussion within the fanbase after it emerged his arrangement was extended in May after Newcastle qualified for the Champions League.

Pope, speaking ahead of the visit of Benfica, said: "I signed it in July 2023, I was really happy about it then. My contract is now up in 2027.

"But I am looking forward to spending as much time as I can here."

Pope signed for Newcastle in 2022 from Burnley for £13million and has been a key part of the success story since the Saudi-backed takeover.