Eddie Howe has spoken about the "business logic" that ties Newcastle United's hands in the transfer window, with veteran goalkeeper Martin Dubravka facing strong interest from a Saudi Arabian club - but Chronicle Live readers in our comments section have said that some players are simply too essential to the team to consider moving on, even if it frees up funds for more transfer activity.

Howe, speaking at his press conference ahead of the Arsenal clash in the Carabao Cup, told Chronicle Live: "The business logic is taking over from the football logic. There may be football decisions you'd like to make. Nothing was bigger than the previous summer when we had to lose two highly promising young players - we were forced to, we had no choice. That is very much the business taking over from the football. I think we are still in that position."

Dubravka is acting as a reliable understudy to Nick Pope while the England international is out injured, but other squad players could become unpopular sales if the club's "business logic" wins out. Miguel Almiron, Kieran Trippier and Sean Longstaff are also being linked with departures, and while Howe does not think that anything will come of it, top clubs are sniffing around the in-form Alexander Isak.

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Readers are considering what impact some of these potential sales could make on the Newcastle squad. Commenter AugCaesar says: "Trippier I would prefer to stay, but Livramento is already in place and doing well. Cover for him will be a requirement. Longstaff is a squad player at best but perfectly simple to let go. Dubravka? Playing well just now but can only go if Pope is fit.”

ComicAls writes: “Newcastle have three keepers other than Pope & Dubravka - Gillespie, Vlachodimos and Ruddy. Losing Dubravka would be a sad loss but what's the point of these other three unless they're cover. How can you possibly say they're 'short of keepers'?”

Scottymc would hold out a little longer: “We all knew that the players mentioned may be sold. Personally I’d keep Trippier and Dubravka until the end of season, I think Dubravka is better than Pope.”

Reader Borrobol doesn't want to see any big departures: “It's essential to hang on to Tonali, Isak, Bruno and big Joe: plus Dubravka - who has made it clear he doesn't want to go, but realises that he might have to.”

Pauline1 agrees: “You know what will happen - certain players will be sold & then someone will get a long term injury! I'm willing to bet that none of the other so called 'Big Six' don't have to let anyone go - they're too busy sniffing around our players!”

Don Toon says: “Newcastle need to get Dubravka signed up to a new two-year contract ASAP! It's no coincidence that our upturn in fortunes has coincided with his run in the team. Playing Tonali in a deeper midfield role has also been pivotal. Dubravka should be our first-choice keeper going forward and Pope should have to fight to regain his place."

Have your say! Who would be an acceptable sale in the January transfer window? Do you trust that the sale of an important player right now would help to set Newcastle United up for the future? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.