Eddie Howe delivers update on Martin Dubravka’s future after the Magpies goalkeeper received a lucrative offer to move to Saudi Arabia this month

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 try to convince the Slovak 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 believed he wants to leave. He appeared to say a tearful farewell to supporters after Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Arsenal.

But given the knee injury to number 1 Nick Pope (he returns later this month) and Dubravka’s excellent form during a seven-match winning run, the club sees no logic in letting him leave now, especially as it would have no impact on the club. significantly on their PSR situation.

Howe says discussions are ongoing with the 35-year-old and it is understood that while Dubravka does not necessarily want a contract extension, better terms between now and the end of the season could be an option.

“I think Martin has been in a tough situation,” Howe said. ‘Like any player out of contract this summer, there is always a sense of doubt. He will obviously want some closure on his future, whether that means a new contract with us, whatever the outcome. But he certainly played very well and I am very happy with him. We want to keep him.

“He has more than played his part in our recent run of games. Again against Arsenal I thought he was very good, so hopefully we can come to some sort of agreement with him.’

Eddie Howe is keen to keep him and will try to convince the goalkeeper to stay at Newcastle

Dubravka appeared to say a tearful farewell to the Newcastle fans after Tuesday’s win over Arsenal

Howe also believes the team’s current situation – fifth in the table and one draw away from a Carabao Cup final – will help the club keep Dubravka on Tyneside.

“Of course I think that will be the case,” he said. “The team is at a good time and Martin is at a good time. He will know that he was an important part of that. I don’t think there’s been any part of this that’s been negative. The emphasis is mainly on Martin’s future. That is the area that we as a football club need to clean up, with only six months left on his contract. That will be the most important thing for Martin.

‘I know how much Newcastle means to him and you can see that emotionally, he is very committed. All of these things will play a role in his decision-making and our decision-making – and hopefully there will be a successful outcome in the end.”

Howe was asked if, if that didn’t work, could he send in his giant centre-back Sven Botman and Dan Burn to convince Dubravka to stay?

‘We will do what is necessary!’ he said with a smile.

Meanwhile, as reported in Mail Sport’s Newcastle Confidential column on Thursday, Howe confirmed that star striker Alexander Isak is fine after a hamstring injury at Arsenal. However, he will be rested for Sunday’s FA Cup match at home to Bromley.