Eddie Howe says he is ‘hopeful’ Newcastle can reach an agreement to keep Martin Dubravka at the club beyond January.
Mail Sport reported on Thursday that Howe and sporting director Paul Mitchell would attempt to persuade the Slovakian to stay. He has a lucrative offer on the table from Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab and, with six months left on his contract, it is thought he wants to go. He appeared to wave a tearful goodbye to supporters following Tuesday’s 2-0 win at Arsenal.
But given the knee injury to No.1 Nick Pope - he is due to return later this month - and Dubravka’s excellent form during a seven-match winning run, the club see no logic in letting him leave now, especially as it would not impact significantly on their PSR situation.