Nick Pope's response to Newcastle number one and Eddie Howe 'assurances' question

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.

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