Eddie Howe insists Newcastle are not close to agreeing a transfer for Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson despite reports suggesting a deal is imminent.
Henderson, 25, has been limited to three appearances for United this season - none of which have come in the Premier League - and is desperate to get back to playing regular first-team football. He finds himself firmly behind David de Gea in the pecking order at Old Trafford, so a move away appears the only means of securing the minutes he craves.
The Englishman knows a summer exit will be of paramount importance if he is to nail down a spot in Gareth Southgate's squad for the World Cup in Qatar this winter. There was positive news for Henderson earlier this week as he travelled to Newcastle for talks with St James' Park chiefs over a transfer.
That was according to the Manchester Evening News , which claimed the player was closing in on a loan move but that a permanent switch had not been ruled out. However, Howe has distanced himself from such speculation by insisting the Magpies are not expecting any arrivals imminently.
"We're not close to signing anybody at this moment at time," the 44-year-old told reporters on Friday. "We're not at any advanced stage with that. It's very difficult for me to comment on individual players because I'd be giving you an answer on every target, but that's far from the truth."
Howe had more to say regarding Aston Villa defender Matt Targett, who has spent the second half of the season on loan on Tyneside. Newcastle have an option to buy the 26-year-old for £15million this summer, according to the Shields Gazette, and he is set to hold talks with the Newcastle boss after the trip to Burnley on the final day of the Premier League campaign.
Would Dean Henderson be a good signing for Newcastle? Have your say in the comments!
"I'll be sitting down with my players at the end of the season and discussing future," Howe said, adding: "I'll be doing the same with Matt. He's been outstanding. [The] Biggest compliment I can play any loan player is that I view him as an integral member of the squad."
Newcastle sit 12th in the table heading into their clash with the Clarets, who are sure to put up an enormous fight at Turf Moor as they battle to avoid relegation as Leeds' expense. While Howe has done a fine job to steer the Magpies 11 points clear of the drop zone with one game to play, much more will be expected of him next season if he receives financial backing this summer having spent £90million during the January window.
