Newcastle are weighing up a move to sign Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale as they remain open to offers for Nick Pope. That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told 360 news that the 26-year-old is seen as an upgrade on their current number-one. The Saints goalkeeper has a £25million release clause in his contract which has now become active after Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed. This comes after, Brown told 360 news that Newcastle plan to accept offers for Pope and have already begun working to identify his replacement. Ramsdale is believed to be high on their list of targets, while Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is also attracting interest from St James’ Park. 360 news insider revealed on 6 April that Eddie Howe is a big fan of Ramsdale, while the likes of Bournemouth and Leeds United are also interested. Brown told 360 news last month that Southampton are preparing for a summer exodus, with Ramsdale among a number of players set to leave St Mary’s. The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that both Ramsdale and Trafford are on Newcastle’s list. “I think it’s pretty much guaranteed he will leave Southampton,” he told 360 news. “With that release clause in his contract, he will have a lot of suitors. “He’s just behind that real top echelon of goalkeepers in England, but I think a move to somewhere like Bournemouth or Newcastle would allow him to improve. “I know Newcastle have been having a look at him as an upgrade on Nick Pope. “Pope is 32 now, and they’re not sure about Dubravka’s future, so Ramsdale would be able to go in there and command a place in the starting XI. “Another one on their list is James Trafford, who has had a fantastic season at Burnley. “We know Howe likes to sign English talent and both of those would fit that bill.”