Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has dismissed speculation linking the club with a move for free agent David De Gea.
The Magpies were rumoured to be interested in the former Manchester United goalkeeper with regular number one Nick Pope facing around four months out due to a dislocated shoulder sustained at the weekend.
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But Howe, who has several injuries in his squad, insists he will put his faith in Martin Dubravka for the foreseeable future.
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s trip to Everton, Howe said: “I’ve seen a lot of media headlines regarding goalkeepers and other players. We have not made any enquiries.
“If we recruit now we’d be recruiting in every position on the pitch because we have injuries everywhere through the squad. Hopefully that situation looks different come January.
“This is a chance for the goalkeepers we have at the club to consolidate their positions.
“I’ve always had a nigh opinion of Martin, he is a high-class goalkeeper, a brilliant shot-stopper and very good with his feet too so there’s no hesitation about bringing him into the team.”
Eddie Howe on the injury to @Popey1992:
“Nick has had a couple of appointments visiting specialists, we are awaiting final news on what’s going to happen with him. There’s no doubt he will need an operation so he will be out for a period of time. It is a big blow to us.” pic.twitter.com/7cYp2gtrQI
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 6, 2023
Pope suffered his shoulder injury diving to his left during the 1-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday night. And, although Newcastle are still awaiting a definitive decision on next steps, Howe believes the England man will be out until well into the new year.
“He’s had a couple of appointments with specialists,” he said. “We are still waiting for final news on what’s going to happen.
“We suspect he’ll be operated on and will be out for roughly four months.
“He’s naturally down because we have some huge games coming up and he’s got the Euros ahead of him as well. There is a chance of that but his main determination is to come back to us.”
Newcastle are still in with a chance of making it to the Champions League knockout stages, and performing well in the Premier League, but the talk on Tyneside this week has been about the FA Cup with Sunday’s third-round draw pitting them against bitter rivals Sunderland.
The Magpies have a woeful record against their Wearside neighbours having not won in their past nine meetings stretching back over 12 years and Howe is relishing the chance to put that right at the Stadium of Light.
He said: “It’s a brilliant draw and a game we’re looking forward to. You want to play big games and games that mean something. This game means so much to everyone.
“I was enthused by the draw. Our record in the FA Cup the last few years hasn’t been great but I think it’ll be an explosive atmosphere, one that we’re used to this season.”
