De Gea is still a free agent after being released by United (Picture: Getty)

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is prepared to join Newcastle United following Nick Pope’s injury blow.

The Magpies no1 suffered a dislocated shoulder in the 1-0 win over Erik ten Hag’s side on Saturday. It has been decided the 31-year-old will need to undergo surgery and is likely to be ruled out for at least four months.

Martin Dubravka came onto replace Pope late on against United with Loris Karius also in reserve. But Newcastle are also strongly considering bringing in another goalkeeper with de Gea under consideration.

The Spaniard was released by United after 12 years at Old Trafford in the summer and remains a free agent.

The former Atletico Madrid shot stopper reportedly favoured a return to Spain in the summer and has most recently been linked with a move to join Inter Miami in the MLS.

De Gea has also been back in Manchester in recent weeks, fuelling speculation over an unlikely return to the club with his replacement Andre Onana struggling.

According to ESPN, the 33-year-old has been training regular and is open to a move to Newcastle.

Pope facing an extended spell on the sidelines (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale has also been linked with the move to Tyneside with the Gunners shot stopper another reportedly open to the move.

The England international has lost his place in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI to David Raya this season and with Euro 2024 looming large next summer, will be eager to secure first-team football.

Arteta was unable to rule out a possible January exit when quizzed on Ramsdale’s future on Monday but believes he wants to remain in north London.

‘He’s willing to play. Like any player, he wants to play for Arsenal. That’s what he wants to do,’ Arteta said.

‘As well for England, it’s not like he has started a lot of games, so hopefully we can help him be better here so then he can play for England. We want to be better, so we want to add to what we already have. That’s the intention.’

Asked if he could rule out a mid-season move, he added: ‘I won’t do that to any player. Any player.’

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The former Manchester United star is still without a club.