Eddie Howe's explosive Martin Dubravka comments after keeper appears to say goodbye
EDDIE HOWE has once again insisted that he does not want to lose Martin Dubravka, despite the goalkeeper appearing to say an emotional farewell to the Newcastle United fans in the wake of this evening’s Carabao Cup semi-final win over Arsenal.
The Magpies took a giant step towards their second League Cup final appearance in the space of three years as Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon scored at the Emirates.
But there was an emotional end to the game as tearful Dubvravka lingered in front of the travelling fans before heading towards the tunnel in the embrace of team-mate Dan Burn.
It was strongly suggested before the game that the Slovakia international, who is in the final six months of his current deal on Tyneside, has agreed a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab.
However, Howe was adamant he was not aware of any such agreement, and repeated his previous assertions that he wants to keep the 35-year-old, who has performed so impressively in the absence of Nick Pope.
“I’ve got nothing to add on that,” said the Newcastle boss, when asked whether Dubravka was saying his final farewell. “With Martin, we’ve been preparing for this game, and we’ve had a lot of games in quick succession, so I’ve not spoken to anybody about that.
“He’s playing very, very well, and certainly from my side, I wouldn’t want to lose him at all. But I genuinely know nothing. I’ve been head down, into the game. I’m sure I’ll speak to Paul (Mitchell, sporting director) at some stage.”
When then asked directly whether he would prefer Newcastle to keep Dubravka and offer him a new contract rather than lose him this month, Howe added: “That would be my wish.”
The situation should become clearer in the next few days, although there is a good chance Odysseas Vlachodimos would have started Sunday’s FA Cup third-round tie against Bromley no matter what was happening with Dubravka.
Pope should be available to return before the end of the month, although it is not yet clear whether or not the England international will be available for Newcastle’s next league game against Wolves in just over a week’s time.
