90min reported earlier on Monday that Newcastle have pencilled in an April return date for Pope, who will decide whether to undergo surgery later this week. Despite links to Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale, Newcastle see him as a long-term target and a move during the January transfer window is unlikely, especially given the Gunners’ reluctance to sanction an exit before the end of the season.

Though plans are in place for Newcastle to soldier on with backup Martin Dubravka in goal, 90min understands they have been presented with an alternative solution with De Gea, who would prefer for his next club to be in Europe and ideally in the Champions League.

Dubravka came on for Newcastle against Man Utd / ANDY BUCHANAN/GettyImages

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De Gea has not been rushed into a decision on his future after leaving Man Utd at the end of his contract over the summer, spurning advances from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Newcastle’s Saudi PIF owners know De Gea’s camp from talks about such a move to the Middle East.

The 33-year-old has also recently emerged as an option for MLS side Inter Miami, who are captained by Lionel Messi.

Part of Newcastle’s unwillingness to spend heavily on a new goalkeeper in January is down to Financial Fair Play restrictions. For similar reasons, they are hoping Manchester City agree to an initial loan for midfielder Kalvin Phillips, but this will take up the second of their two domestic loan spots – the other has been filled by Chelsea’s Lewis Hall.

As such, a move for a free agent like De Gea would be more feasible for Newcastle, who would not have to turn to the loan market for a temporary goalkeeper solution and could instead sign the Spaniard on a short-term contract.