Howe sets the record straight on De Gea-Newcastle links

There have been reports linking David de Gea to Newcastle United after the club lost goalkeeper Nick Pope to a serious injury.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has dismissed rumors linking the club with a move for goalkeeper David de Gea.

Nick Pope, the club’s No.1 keeper, may face around four months out with a shoulder injury. This spurred a report from the Daily Mail, claiming Newcastle were considering a deal to sign De Gea. The Spaniard is currently a free agent after leaving Manchester United last summer.

But Howe has denied this claim, insisting he will instead turn to the other goalkeepers on the club’s payroll – Martin Dubravka, Loris Karius, and Mark Gillespie.

“We have not made any inquiries,” Howe said at a press conference on Wednesday.

“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.”

Dubravka is expected to start in goal on Thursday when Newcastle visit Everton at Goodison Park.

The Magpies are currently in sixth place in the Premier League, with 26 points from 14 games. They are three points outside the top four and will hope to put pressure on their rivals by collecting a win this week.