Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has responded to talk that Martin Dubravka has already "signed" for Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab.

Reports in the Middle East say that a deal has been agreed and Dubravka will be sold once the window opens for business on January 1. Howe must decide carefully with his goalkeepers knowing that Nick Pope may not be back for the first leg of the semi-final of the Carabao Cup against Arsenal.

The Slovakia international turns 36 in January and his contract expires at the end of the season meaning it could be deemed good business to cash in on the experienced shot-stopper. But Howe has stated that he is not aware of Dubravka being sold or agreeing terms in the Middle East and says that selling him would not make any sense.

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Howe, speaking at his pre-match Press conference for the Aston Villa game, told Chronicle Live: "That is news to me. I have been aware of the rumours and the talk about that deal, but I don't think it is done.

"Certainly, we would not want to lose a goalkeeper that is playing for us currently. That wouldn't make sense. It is not a deal that we would want to sanction."

Newcastle have been monitoring Burnley's James Trafford after showing summer interest but their bid was deemed paltry by the Clarets. Burnley want at least £19million for the man they signed from Manchester City.

When asked if Newcastle could even facilitate such a move, Howe said: "These are questions that we have to find answers to. As I say the Martin situation is not clear-cut, let's wait and see what happens in the next few weeks.

"He is certainly doing very well. I have been really pleased with his reintroduction to the team, I think he has given us a calmness and composure.

"He has made some really good saves. Let's not forget the one he made at Ipswich. I am delighted with how he is playing, he is in goal for us and doing a great job."

When asked when Pope would be back soon, Howe explained that the England stopper had received "two injections" on his knee but no comeback date was set at this point.

Howe must now focus on three huge - potentially season-defining games against Aston Villa, Man United, and Tottenham Hotspur across the festive periods - and with Unai Emery's side up first on Boxing Day, Howe said: "It's a big run of fixtures. Everybody is excited about those games on the back of the recent ones that we have played.

"We have hit a good consistent run of form. I've been really pleased with how we have played within the games. Our style, our creative output has been much better. We need to take that mentality into the next group."