Howe makes new transfer admission, rubbishes rumour & reacts to Sunderland draw

Eddie Howe has rubbished claims Newcastle are lining up a move for David De Gea following a shoulder injury to Nick Pope and given his immediate reaction to our FA Cup draw with Sunderland.

He insists "we've not made any enquiries" for any potential signing ahead of the January window and has backed "top-class" Martin Dubravka to step up in Pope's absence. "We really believe in Martin" was the message, with Howe praising the Slovakian's shot-stopping ability, distribution with his feet and character.

On our FA Cup trip to the Stadium of Light, the boss thought it was a joke to begin with! But sounds excited to be part of his first Tyne and Wear derby, believing we're well equipped to cope with the atmosphere and determined to win a game that "means so much to everyone."

Here's what Howe's had to say on all of the above, starting with his response to recent transfer rumours:

Howe on links to De Gea and his faith in Dubravka:

"I've seen a lot of the media headlines and press speculation regarding goalkeepers and other players.

"We've not made any enquiries about January in any position. If that was the case, we'd be recruiting in every position given the injuries we have in the squad! Hopefully that changes by January. This is an opportunity for our goalkeepers to cement their positions.

"We really believe in Martin and I've always had that high opinion of him. Yes we brought in Nick, we wanted competition in all positions. He's a top-class goalkeeper, a great shot-stopper with good feet and distribution.

"He's been very, very good. The whole goalkeeping department has been very strong. They've all supported Nick. But they've all performed to a very high level individually and in training themselves. Martin is experienced enough to know things can change quickly. I've got no doubts about him as a goalkeeper or as a character."

Howe on drawing Sunderland in the FA Cup:

"I didn’t hear or see the draw, I was relying on others to tell me, initially I thought they were joking!

"I was enthused by the draw; it is a great game for us. It will be an explosive atmosphere, but we are used to that this season. We have played in a lot of highly charged stadiums with a lot riding on games this season, this will be another one.

“I was unaware of our recent record — but it’s another incentive for us to win the game. You want to play big games and games that mean something. This game means so much to everyone."