Martin Dubravka's time as a Newcastle United player looks to be coming to an end despite Eddie Howe's desire to keep the shot-stopper on Tyneside. The Slovakian has deputised for the injured Nick Pope superbly of late, impressing with his shot-stopping and playing out from the back.

Dubravka was teary as he left the pitch in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Arsenal, with speculation he may have played his final game for the Magpies. Saudi side Al-Shabab are keen to sign the goalkeeper but Newcastle are yet to sanction his exit.

With finances limited due to ongoing PSR concerns, Howe would rather not lose his current No 1 with Pope not yet back to full fitness after a recent knee issue. With that in mind, we look at the internal and external options who could replace Dubravka as Newcastle's backup stopper at St James' Park.

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Odysseas Vlachodimos

Let's keep it simple for starters. A Dubravka exit would mean an instant promotion for Odysseas Vlachodimos. The Greece No 1 has so far been limited to just 45 minutes of first-team football since arriving at Newcastle, replacing Dubravka midway through the win over AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup.

This, despite Newcastle spending a decent chunk of their summer budget on Vlachodimos as part of the deal that saw Elliot Anderson leave for Nottingham Forest. The former Benfica goalkeeper was always set to play a minor role after his summer switch but the fact he has acted as a backup to Newcastle's backup between the sticks speaks volumes.

Despite his Newcastle struggles to date, the 30-year-old retains the support of his national team and has a wealth of experience under his belt from earlier in his career. Could he rise to the occasion to save Howe and his transfer team splashing out?

John Ruddy

Another summer addition, we are yet to see John Ruddy, 37, in a competitive fixture for Newcastle following his free transfer. Upon leaving Birmingham City at the end of the last campaign, the veteran star was drafted in to replace Loris Karius in the North East.

Ruddy's role is very much to provide leadership in the dressing room and wisdom on the training pitch but the former England international has been in and around the first team on matchdays so far this term, as well as featuring during the Sela Cup over the summer.

“I’m pleased to welcome John to Newcastle United. He has a huge amount of experience and adds a level of support and competition that we need," Howe said over the summer. “As well as his abilities on the pitch, he has a strong mentality and he is a leader, which will only benefit the group. I’m looking forward to him joining us as we prepare for the season ahead.”

Aidan Harris

Eddie Howe is often keen to promote from within and will be keeping a close eye on those impressing in Diarmuid O'Carroll's under-21 outfit. One of those enjoying a solid season in the youth setup is goalkeeper Aidan Harris.

No stranger to the first-team after being called up during the injury crisis of 2023/24 and included in the club's post-season trip to Australia, the 18-year-old is certainly on the radar of the gaffer. Harris has featured in nine of the 10 under-21 games in the Premier League 2 this term, as well as the FA Youth Cup win over Brighton back in September.

"Being able to follow in the footsteps of other Academy graduates such as Sean, Elliot and Lewis is very pleasing for me but it gives me that bit more drive and motivation to be able to have the outcome of those kind of players," Harris said earlier this term. "My standout moments from the 2023/24 season has got to be appearing on the bench for the first-team's first Champions League game against AC Milan and visiting the likes of Paris and Dortmund to play in the UEFA Youth League."

James Trafford

As for the external possibilities, James Trafford of Burnley continues to be linked with a move further north. Familiar with the likes of Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall due to his England youth exploits, the goalkeeper is admired within the St James' Park dressing room.

Howe's interest in Trafford dates back a while, with the Championship stopper heavily linked with a move in the summer. Instead, he stayed put at Turf Moor and has featured in all but one of Burnley's league outings this term. To date, the promotion challengers have conceded just nine goals.

Trafford's ball-playing ability has also caught the eye, with the 22-year-old learning from the best as he rose through Manchester City's academy. A £20m+ valuation is the only potential sticking point on the face of it.

Kamil Grabara

Reports this week suggest Newcastle could go further afield if Trafford proves to be too expensive. VFL Wolfsburg stopper Kamil Grabara is a name to have emerged in recent days as he enjoys a solid Bundesliga season.

The 25-year-old was once on the books of Liverpool and has English football experience after a spell at Huddersfield Town in the second tier. Grabara eventually would depart Copenhagen, after 125 games, for a fee of £10m, joining Wolfsburg in an exciting deal.

The former Anfield star has played in each of their 18 matches this term, losing just six in all competitions. Grabara is known as a sweeper keeper, with the ability to build out from the back.