Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has denied speculation over an deadline-day exchange deal for Cumbrian star Dean Henderson.

There was widespread speculation that the Toon manager wanted the Manchester United keeper for the second half of the season.

And it has been reported that Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka was offered to the Old Trafford club as part of the deal.

Howe, though, has rejected talk that he tried to use the Slovakian keeper as part of a deal for Whitehaven star Henderson.

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

“That’s absolutely not the truth.”

A deal for Henderson did not materialise before the January 31 deadline.

It saw the 24-year-old remain at Man Utd despite having earlier asked interim boss Ralf Rangnick for a move in search of first-team football.

Former Carlisle United academy keeper Henderson - whose first-team progress at Old Trafford benfits the Blues financially - has been restricted to three first-team appearances this season.

He lost his place to David de Gea at the start of the season after Henderson's campaign was delayed because of Covid-19.

The Cumbrian's long-term future is likely to remain the subject of speculation with Newcastle, Tottenham Hotspur and Ajax among the clubs who have been linked with the west Cumbrian.

He was on the bench for Man Utd's 1-1 draw with Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday.