Newcaste boss Howe addresses De Gea rumours after confirming Pope blow

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has played down the prospect of immediately signing a replacement for Nick Pope.

The England goalkeeper faces four months out due to shoulder surgery.

Howe said, "It's the same shoulder [as his previous injury] but a different part of the shoulder. There was no reason for that happening.

"He's had a couple of appointments, visited specialists. I am sort of awaiting final news on what is going to happen.

"The operation hasn't happened yet but we are thinking roughly around four months. So it is a big blow to us, but one that we expected after the game. As soon as you see the dislocation we were fearing the worst."

On talk of dealing in David de Gea, now off contract from Manchester United, as a replacement, Howe added: "I've seen a lot of the media headlines and press speculation. We've not made any enquiries leading to January. If we were to recruit now we will have to for every position."