‘Absolutely not the truth’ - Eddie Howe hits back at Newcastle United and Manchester United transfer story

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has strongly denied rumours that Martin Dubravka was offered to Manchester United on deadline day.

Reports in the North West this week claimed the Magpies offered the Slovakian in exchange to sign Dean Henderson on loan for the remainder of the season.

Man United were happy to accept the proposal, though Dubravka himself was said to have turned down the opportunity to play second fiddle to David de Gea.

However, Howe has rubbished speculation that Dubravka was even offered to the Red Devils in the first place.

‘Absolutely not the truth’

Howe said: “There was absolutely no truth in Martin Dubravka being offered to Manchester United from our side.

“That’s absolutely not the truth.”

What else happened between Newcastle and Man United on deadline day?

Newcastle were interested in signing Henderson but instead focussed on a loan move for Jesse Lingard.

The Magpies offered to pay a loan fee and the player’s rumoured £100,000-a-week wages in full but a deal first stalled over a potential survival bonus.

And when talks reignited on deadline day, Man United decided to keep hold of the 29-year-old despite his continued lack of gametime.

The England midfielder is not expected to be short of offers this summer when his contract at Old Trafford expires.

While Newcastle might be interested in revisiting a move for a Lingard, West Ham United are likely to provide strong competition.

It is understood Lingard prefers a move to London.