Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope dropped a clanger against Everton during a bitter defeat against David Moyes' side as his indifferent campaign continued.

Pope, who made mistakes against Marseille, Brentford away and West Ham away, was under fire in the immediate aftermath of the five-goal encounter against the Toffees. But his head coach, Eddie Howe, refused to bite on questions of replacing the ex-Burnley man.

Man City keeper James Trafford's uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium would make him a candidate for a Toon switch. But Howe said last night: "It's difficult for me to comment on any one player or any one position. Just collectively, we've got to defend our goal better.

"That's everyone across the board. That's me taking responsibility for that first and then, of course, following that down to the players."

Howe could restore Aaron Ramsdale against Manchester United, but after an unconvincing season, the Southampton loanee may not offer much of an improvement between the sticks. Ramdale's own future is also up in the air as Newcastle decide on whether to make the deal a...