Newcastle United respond to claims that first summer signing is close

Eddie Howe has played down speculation claiming that Dean Henderson is close to joining Newcastle United ahead of next season.

A report from the Manchester Evening News claimed Henderson had travelled to Newcastle for talks on Wednesday and a deal to bring the 25-year-old to Tyneside is ‘99 % done’.

A season-long loan has reportedly been discussed, though a permanent transfer was not ruled out as Howe prepares for the summer window.

The Magpies head coach, however, has shut down talk that a deal is close.

“We’re not close to signing anybody at this moment in time,” Howe said. “We’re not at any advance stage with that.

“It’s very difficult for me to comment on indivdual players because I’d be giving you an answer on every target. But no, that’s far from the truth.

United reportedly attempted to sign Henderson in January but switched their focus to acquiring Jesse Lingard on loan, which fell through on deadline day.

The chances of Newcastle revisiting a deal for Lingard, who is out of contract this summer, are slim with the England international commanding a sizeable wage package.