Eddie Howe has not given up hope of keeping in-form goalkeeper Martin Dubravka at Newcastle beyond the end of this month.
The 35-year-old Slovakia international has been heavily linked with a January move to Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab as he enters the final six months of his contract on Tyneside.
However, the speculation comes at a time when has has conceded just two goals in seven games in all competitions – all of them victories – while deputising for the injured Nick Pope to help the Magpies place one foot firmly in the Carabao Cup final and climb into the Premier League’s top five.
Asked if Dubravka wanted to stay, head coach Howe – who confirmed talks were ongoing – replied: “Martin’s been in a difficult situation. Like any player that is coming out of contract in the summer, with every player that I’ve ever worked with, 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.
“He’s more than played his part in our recent run of fixtures. Again against Arsenal, I thought he was very, very good, so hopefully we can come to some sort of agreement with him.”
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