Eddie Howe admits Martin Dubravka transfer situation at Newcastle 'isn't clear cut'
EDDIE HOWE says Newcastle United cannot “currently” sanction an exit for Martin Dubravka – but has not completely ruled out the possibility of the goalkeeper leaving Tyneside in the latter stages of the January window.
Dubravka has entered the final six months of his current contract at St James’ Park, and is not expected to be offered a new deal given that he will turn 36 next month.
Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab have shown a strong interest in signing him, and for most of the autumn, there was an expectation within St James’ Park that a deal would be done in January.
However, the situation has been complicated by the knee injury that has forced Nick Pope onto the sidelines and meant that Dubravka has started Newcastle’s last three matches.
Pope is yet to resume full training, and while there is still a degree of uncertainty about exactly when the England international will be able to return to action, the likelihood is that he will remain sidelined for at least part of next month.
That means Howe will continue to need Dubravka for first-team duty – the Slovakian is ahead of Greece international Odysseas Vlachodimos in the pecking order – and makes the Magpies boss extremely reluctant to sanction the goalkeeper’s departure, even if there are others within the executive structure who might think it makes financial sense.
“Certainly, we wouldn’t want to lose the goalkeeper that’s playing for us currently, that wouldn’t make sense,” said Howe, who will name Dubravka in his starting side for the Boxing Day game with Aston Villa. “So no, that isn’t a deal that we would want to sanction currently.”
READ MORE:
Newcastle United injury latest on Joelinton, Joe Willock, Nick Pope and Emil Krafth
'That doesn't really concern me' - Jacob Murphy's view after fine run with Newcastle
Eddie Howe explains change in Bruno Guimaraes' play - and how it's helped Newcastle
If Dubravka was to leave, there is a chance Newcastle could look to make a goalkeeping signing despite having Vlachodimos on their books.
The Magpies have a long-standing interest in Burnley’s James Trafford, but any move for the England international would have a significant impact on the Magpies’ financial position in relation to Profit and Sustainability regulations.
“These are questions that we have to find answers to,” admitted Howe, when asked whether it would be possible to sign a replacement for Dubravka if the Slovakian was to leave. “As I say, the Martin situation isn’t clear-cut, let’s wait and see what happens in the next few weeks.
“But he’s certainly doing very well, I’ve been really pleased with his reintroduction into the team. I think he’s given us a calmness, a composure, he’s made a couple of really good saves, let’s not forget the one he made at 1-0 against Ipswich, which was a big moment in the game.
“So, I’m delighted with how he’s playing. He’s in goal for us at the moment, and doing a great job.”
