Newcastle United are without Miguel Almiron and Jamaal Lascelles for this evening's FA Cup fourth round clash away to Fulham (kick-off 7pm).
Both players have been subjected to transfer speculation in recent days with Almiron attracting interest from Saudi Arabia while Lascelles has been linked with Turkish giants Besiktas.
However, it is NewcastleWorld understanding that neither absence is transfer-related. Almiron is unwell. and Lascelles has picked up a fresh injury.
United boss Eddie Howe also played down talk of either player leaving during the January transfer window when speaking to the media on Friday.
On Almiron, Howe said: “There’s been a lot of noise and speculation about his future but certainly as his manager I’m desperate to keep him. He’s played an integral part since I’ve come to the club in a sense that his contribution has been immense, whether that’s goalscoring, work rate, discipline, commitment or professionalism.
"There has been a lot of noise, that noise comes from somewhere but hopefully, we can keep him."
And on Lascelles, Howe added: "That’s one I’ve got no idea where there has come from. Jamaal is a big part of what we’re doing."
That sees Jacob Murphy recalled to the starting XI for the first time since dislocating his shoulder in November. The bench includes Tino Livramento and 18-year-old Travis Hernes, who joined from Shrewsbury Town in the summer.
Here's Newcastle United's starting XI and subs in full:
1. GK: Martin Dubravka
The Slovakian has silenced his critics in recent weeks with impressive displays against Liverpool, Sunderland and Man City.
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Trippier has been the subject of a rejected bid from Bayern Munich this week but that is unlikely to distract the England man.
3. CB: Fabian Schar
The Swiss international continues to be an ever-consistent performer for Newcastle and was rightly rewarded with a new contract earlier this month.
4. CB: Sven Botman
The Dutchman put in his best performance of the season against Man City. Something to build on as he gets over his early-season knee injury.