Eddie Howe delivers update on Martin Dubravka's future after the Magpies goalkeeper received a lucrative offer to move to Saudi Arabia this month
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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.
![[Eddie Howe is keen to keep him, and will try to persuade the goalkeeper to remain at Newcastle]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/10/11/93954397-14270481-image-a-76_1736509311780.jpg)
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.
![[Dubravka had appeared to wave a tearful goodbye to Newcastle fans after Tuesday's win at Arsenal]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/10/11/93954457-14270481-image-a-77_1736509341771.jpg)
Howe says talks are ongoing with the 35-year-old and we understand that, while Dubravka does not necessarily want a contract extension, improved terms between now and the end of the season could be an option. ‘I think Martin's been in a difficult situation,’ said Howe. ‘Like any player that is coming out of contract in the summer, there's always that feeling of doubt. He will naturally want some conclusion to his future, whether that's a new contract with us, whatever the outcome. But he's certainly played very well and I've been really pleased with him. We want to keep him.
