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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While a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia may appeal to a man who celebrates his 36th birthday next week, the emotional pull of staying at St James’ Park remains strong, and his tears during an extended stay on the pitch after Tuesday night’s 2-0 victory at Arsenal was viewed by many as a goodbye.

Dubravka was signed by former boss Rafael Benitez, initially on loan, in January 2018, but has largely had to play second fiddle to England international Pope for the last two and a half years, a period which included a loan spell at Manchester United.

However, he has demonstrated his worth in recent weeks as the former Burnley man works his way back from a knee injury and while he may not want to extend his role as understudy as he enters the latter stages of his career, the chance to retain his place in the team with the prospect of a visit to Wembley and a Champions League qualification mission beyond that could prove tempting.

Howe, who faces a decision over whether or not to rest Dubravka for Sunday’s FA Cup third-round clash with League Two Bromley, said: “I know how much Newcastle means to him and you can see that emotionally, he’s very invested.

“Of course, all those things will be playing a part in his decision-making and our decision-making and hopefully there’s a successful outcome at the end.”

Intriguingly, Howe declined to enter into discussion over whether or not Pope, who is back in training but not yet ready to play, remains his number one.

He said: “It’s always in a state of flux. It’s always changing and moving because that’s down to the player’s performances.”