Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe says a decision on whether to sign a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window has not been made amid reports linking the club with David De Gea.
The Magpies were dealt a major blow at the weekend after Nick Pope was forced off the pitch against Manchester United with a serious injury, dislocating his left shoulder while diving to make a save.
Howe confirmed that the England shot-stopper will need to undergo, which will keep him out of action for four months.
Martin Dubravka, whom Howe calls a “high-class goalkeeper”, will play between the posts in the meantime, although Newcastle have been linked with a January move for De Gea, who has been a free agent since leaving Man United in the summer, and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale.
However, Howe says that he will give Dubravka, and reserve goalkeeper Loris Karius, the opportunity to claim the gloves for themselves before they look to the market.
“We have not made any inquiries or any decisions about our recruitment leading into January. This is a chance for the goalkeepers we have at the football club to consolidate their positions, and that will be the same for every other position at the club.”
On the 34-year-old Slovenian, Howe added: “He’s a brilliant shot-stopper himself, he’s very good with his feet and his distribution, so no hesitation about bringing Martin into the team and I hope he does really well.”
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