Eddie Howe speaks out on David de Gea links to Newcastle

Eddie Howe has rubbished claims that Newcastle are lining up a move for former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.

The club are without Nick Pope following his shoulder injury that will keep him out for up to five months. Reports have indicated that Newcastle will look to clinch the signing of another goalkeeper, while there were suggestions that the Magpies could look to sign free agent and former Man Utd No.1 De Gea in the January transfer window.

Otherwise, Howe will have to play Martin Dubravka to replace Pope – while Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie will provide further back-up.

Howe said about that links to De Gea during a press conference: “I’ve seen a lot of media headlines regarding goalkeepers and other players.

“We have not made any enquiries. If we were to recruit now we’d be recruiting in every area on the pitch. It’s a chance for the other keepers to consolidate their positions.”

What happened to Nick Pope?

Pope appeared to dislodge his shoulder in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Man Utd at the weekend. The former Burnley shot-stopper went down on his goalline in agony while the ball was in play and the club’s medical team rushed over. Subsequent reports state that Pope is set for the sidelines for a considerable period now, adding to their growing injury list at a crucial time in the season.

Newcastle will head to Goodison Park on Thursday for an encounter against Everton before they head to London to play Tottenham on Sunday.

Their win over the Red Devils has left them in sixth place in the Premier League table. Man Utd will have the chance to leapfrog them if they beat Chelsea, though it would leave a game in hand for Howe’s men.