Will Newcastle move for ex-Man Utd goalkeeper David de Gea? Eddie Howe addresses transfer rumours as Magpies boss confirms Nick Pope will be out injured for at least four months

Pope has been sidelined after suffering a dislocated shoulder in Newcastle's Premier League win over Manchester United. Martin Dubravka is expected to deputise in his absence, although Newcastle have been linked with a move for De Gea. The former Red Devils goalkeeper is currently a free agent after departing Old Trafford in the summer.

Howe told reporters: "We have not made any enquiries despite links. We really believe in Martin Dubravka — I've always had that high opinion of him. Martin is a high class goalkeeper."

The Newcastle boss also confirmed Pope is set for a lengthy time on the sidelines. "He's had a couple of appointments to see specialists. I am awaiting final news on what will happen," he added. "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."

Pope's injury looks set to offer Dubravka a chance to play regularly at Newcastle once again. The back-up stopper joined Newcastle permanently in 2018 after an impressive loan spell but lost his place in the team after Pope signed from Burnley in 2022 and spent the first half of last season on loan at Manchester United. Dubvraka now has a run of games to impress before the transfer window reopens in January, when Newcastle could potentially try to bring in another goalkeeper.

De Gea's future remains uncertain and he has been linked with a host of clubs, including Inter Miami, Real Betis and Al-Nassr. Manchester United have also been linked with a shock move to bring De Gea back on a short-team deal as Andre Onana, the man brought in to replace the Spaniard, is set to head to the Africa Cup of Nations in January.