Howe: Henderson to Newcastle links 'far from the truth'

Eddie Howe has dismissed reports Newcastle are on the verge of signing Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

England international Henderson has spent the majority of this season on the bench at Old Trafford behind David de Gea, who started the campaign between the posts after his team-mate contracted coronavirus.

Opportunities since recovering from COVID-19 have been limited for Henderson, with first-team football said to be his priority in a World Cup year.

Links to big-spending Newcastle have been persistent – a swap deal with Magpies number one Martin Dubravka was even mooted in January.

And reports this week suggested Henderson had been on Tyneside for talks ahead of a move, either on loan or in a huge £40million transfer.

But Newcastle coach Howe, speaking ahead of Sunday's season-ending trip to Burnley, said on Friday: "No, we're not close to signing anyone at this moment in time.

"We're not at an advanced stage with that."

Howe, who has suggested Newcastle's budget may be more modest than widely anticipated, added: "It's very difficult for me to comment on individual players, because I'd be giving you an answer on every target.

"But that [Henderson report] is far from the truth."

Despite entering the final round of Premier League fixtures comfortable in mid-table, Newcastle have conceded 61 goals this season – 10 more than relegation-threatened Burnley.