Eddie Howe has rejected suggestions Newcastle want to sign Scott McTominay on loan this month.
McTominay, 26, has slipped down the midfield pecking order at Manchester United this season with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen both welcomed to Old Trafford during the summer window. Erik ten Hag also has Fred and injured Donny van de Beek at his disposal in the same area - not to mention Bruno Fernandes.
Newcastle are, meanwhile, hoping to bring in players mid-season in their quest for Champions League qualification, but McTominay is not on their list. Howe was asked directly about the United midfielder during his press conference as the third-placed Magpies look ahead to their Premier League meeting with Fulham on Sunday afternoon.
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He said: "No, that's not true [bidding for McTominay]. The loan market is always a big option for us. But I think getting the right player on loan is very difficult."
Speaking earlier in the month about possible signings, Howe added: "We're working hard at the moment on staying in contact with the market and looking at players and doing a lot of work, but we're not imminently close to signing anybody. We're not actively bidding for players at the moment. It's a watching brief currently."
McTominay progressed through the academy at Old Trafford and has spent his entire career at the club. However, while the Scotland international has totted-up 191 senior appearances, he has only started six games in the Premier League this season and none since the 6-3 defeat to Manchester City in October.
With the corresponding Manchester derby around the corner, United are almost certain to select Casemiro, Eriksen and Fernandes in their three midfield positions - leaving McTominay and Fred on stand-by on the bench.
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