MARTIN DUBRAVKA will not be leaving Newcastle United this month, with the club in talks over a new deal for the Slovakian goalkeeper.

Dubravka’s future has been the subject of sustained speculation throughout the transfer window, with the 36-year-old having looked all-but-certain to be heading to Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

The outline terms of a deal with Al-Shabab had already been agreed when Dubravka appeared to be saying his goodbyes to the Newcastle fans in the wake of the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win over Arsenal at the Emirates.

However, Eddie Howe was always adamant he did not want to lose Dubravka, who has been Newcastle’s first-choice goalkeeper in the absence of the injured Nick Pope, and the veteran has been persuaded to remain on Tyneside.

Not only that, but he also now looks likely to sign a new contract that will extend his stay for at least another 12 months.

“Martin won’t leave,” said Howe. “We’re in discussions with Martin over a new contract, and hopefully there’ll be a swift conclusion there. But he hasn’t sought any certainties on his place, or anything beyond trying to stay in the team and do well.”

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Howe has also ruled out Will Osula leaving this month, despite the forward having been the subject of a host of loan inquiries from clubs based both at home and overseas.

Osula has struggled for game time since joining from Sheffield United in the summer, with his only two starts having come in the cup competitions.

It could be argued that the 21-year-old would benefit from playing regular first-team football in the second half of the season, even if that meant dropping into the Championship.

However, the youngster is currently the only fit alternative to Alexander Isak, and while Callum Wilson should be back available in the next few weeks, Howe feels Osula will be best suited by remaining with Newcastle’s first-team group.

“At the moment, I see that balance very firmly that he needs to be here with us,” said Howe. “He needs the training with us, he needs the understanding, and he needs the development that we’re trying to give him.

“Will is a multi-talented player. I don’t see him just being a number nine, he has played wide before, so that is an option that we could look at. I think he’s doing well. He’s on track, and he is developing.

“Obviously, looking at him as a striker, he’s competing with Alex for a place, which isn’t something you would necessarily want to be doing at the minute, with Alex’s form.

“But in some senses, and I said this to Will when he signed, he’s learning off two of the best strikers that he could currently work with, and he needs to absorb as much information from both Alex and Callum, two great role models for him, to help him in his development.

“He’s very much here at the moment, although of course beyond this season, we will try to take the best steps that benefit Will and us.”

A number of Newcastle’s other fringe players have also been linked with possible moves away this month. Matt Targett has been the subject of interest from Leeds United, while Sean Longstaff has also been linked with a possible move to Everton.

Howe does not expect to be losing anyone else ahead of Monday night’s deadline, though, with Almiron’s departure having eased the pressure that was building ahead of June’s PSR accountancy deadline.

“As we stand now, I currently don’t expect any more outgoings,” said the Magpies boss. “Things can change, but as things stand at the moment, I expect the squad to remain the same.”