Celtic urged to land ‘outstanding’ Nick Pope as financial reality emerges

The Hoops are looking to strengthen their goalkeeping department before Thursday’s Champions League registration deadline, with competition wanted for Viljami Sinisalo.

Pope has emerged as a potential option after apparently slipping behind Lukas Hornicek in the pecking order at Newcastle, although the finances involved could prove a major obstacle.

Guidi believes the England international would be an excellent addition at Parkhead and suggested a season-long loan could fit the type of deal Celtic are exploring.

Asked if the Hoops want a goalkeeper, Guidi said on the Go Radio Football Show: “They are. They want to get one in the door for Thursday night.

“They need somebody proper to go and challenge Sinisalo.

“Something like a Nick Pope on a season’s loan. I think that’s the market they would rather go into, rather than doing what they’ve been doing the past couple of weeks, spending six, seven, eight million pounds.

“So we’ll wait and see what Celtic do.

“I think Nick Pope… his attendance record over the past couple of years would be a bit of a concern – but in terms of ability, I think he’s an outstanding goalkeeper. I really do.

“Can Celtic pull it off? I wonder if the package might just be a bit rich. I thought today – Newcastle potentially in the market for a right-back, does Alistair Johnston come onto Newcastle’s radar?

“However, in terms of Nick Pope’s ability – if Celtic can pull that off, I think it would be a great bit of business – but I don’t think it will happen.”