Eddie Howe breaks silence on Newcastle's stance on Hugo Lloris transfer ahead of Tottenham game

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has denied reports linking Tottenham's Hugo Lloris and ex-Manchester shot-stopper David de Gea to his club.

The Magpies who travel to north London today lost first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope to a long-term shoulder injury and could be without him for almost four months. They have Martin Dubravka who is expected to start against Spurs, but rumours of a January strengthening won't just go away. 

But United manager Howe told the press ahead of today's game that the injury to Pope is an opportunity for Dubravkka, Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie to prove their mettle. He said: “We have not made any inquiries or any decisions about our recruitment leading into January. This is a chance for the goalkeepers we have at the football club to consolidate their positions, and that will be the same for every other position at the club.”

Lloris' contract at Spurs comes to an end in the summer of 2024 and even though he's yet to make an appearance this season, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed he's been training well and acting professionally. Spurs though will be keen to offload his wages when the right opportunity comes along before next summer.

Tottenham looking for first win in six 

After a brilliant start to the season where Spurs won eight and drew two of their first 10 games, they have now made unwanted history in the last month by being the first Premier League side to open the scoring in five consecutive games and winning none. 

Newcastle are also unbeaten in eight Premier League games in London since a 5-1 defeat at Tottenham in April 2022 (W4, D4). It is Newcastle's longest unbeaten league run in the capital.