Man Utd played very poorly in away defeat at Newcastle
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has rubbished speculation that the Magpies could target David de Gea in January. Former Manchester United goalkeeper De Gea was linked with the Tyneside outfit after Nick Pope was ruled out with a long-term injury.
Pope suffered a serious shoulder injury during Newcastle’s victory over United on Sunday. Howe believes the England star will miss around four months, the same length it took him to recover from a similar injury earlier in his career.
It has been claimed that Newcastle might be interested in a free transfer deal for De Gea, who has yet to find a club after his exit from Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag brutally axed the long-serving Spaniard from his squad in the summer, with De Gea leaving under a cloud.
The 33-year-old has not found another club and could be an option if Newcastle enter the market for a new shot-stopper. However, Newcastle manager Howe insists that the club have not made any enquiries about a Pope replacement and will instead trust No 2 goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
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“I’ve seen a lot of media headlines regarding goalkeepers and other players,” Howe said on Wednesday. “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.”
Pope was replaced by former United loanee Dubravka during the victory over the Red Devils, and the Slovakian will be given the chance to prove his worth. Howe continued: “We really believe in Martin. Martin is a high class goalkeeper, very good with his feet and distribution.”
Meanwhile, Howe admits that Pope’s chances of featuring at Euro 2024 hang in the balance. The 31-year-old has recently regained his place in Gareth Southgate’s England set-up and would have been expecting to travel to the Germany tournament with the Three Lions as back-up to Jordan Pickford.
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“He’s had a couple of appointments to see specialists. I am awaiting final news on what will happen,” Howe said.
“He will be operated on. It will be about four months. We were fearing the worst. He’s been in the best form since he has been at the football club.
“He is naturally down. Nick had the Euros ahead of him and there is still a chance for him. His main determination is to come back with us.”
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