Craig Hope says Newcastle player now has an ‘offer on the table’ to leave St James’ Park this month

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There could be a few outgoings at Newcastle United during the January transfer window.

With PSR continuing to be an issue, Newcastle United must sell before they buy.

And even if they do that, there are no guarantees that Paul Mitchell will be able to reinforce Eddie Howe’s squad.

The priority right now is outgoings, with Miguel Almiron allowed to leave Newcastle. A departure for the Paraguayan feels inevitable, six years after his arrival on Tyneside.

However, the future of Martin Dubravka is less clear.

Martin Dubravka attracting interest from Saudi Arabia

In recent weeks, the Slovakian has been linked with a transfer to Saudi Arabia, as he enters the final six months of his Newcastle United contract.

There have even been claims in the Middle East that Dubravka has agreed a deal to leave Newcastle, at a time when he is back in Eddie Howe’s starting XI due to an injury to Nick Pope.

That has complicated the 35-year-old’s situation. Dubravka might not be allowed to leave until Pope is fit, with the England international yet to return to full training.

Craig Hope’s Martin Dubravka exit update

In the meantime, rumours continue to swirl over Dubravka possibly joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab.

The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope has provided an update on the situation via his YouTube channel, insisting that the Toon stopper has been presented with an offer to leave the club this month.

“My understanding is that the terms between the two clubs have not necessarily been fully agreed yet,” he said.

“But in terms of the personal terms that have been discussed between Dubravka’s people and Al-Shabab, there is an offer on the table.

“And it will no doubt be a lucrative one.

“For a player who is 35, turns 36 this month, got a young family, coming towards the end of his career – you can see why financially it would appeal.”

What Eddie Howe has said about Martin Dubravka’s future

Ahead of Newcastle’s game against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, Eddie Howe was asked numerous questions about Dubravka’s future during his pre-match press conference.

The Newcastle United manager said that while he would like to keep the goalkeeper at St James’ Park, the club must also factor in what the player wants.

“The situation with Martin is we would not want him to leave,” he said.

“But of course you have to respect and understand the player’s wishes. It’s not as clear-cut as everyone would necessarily have you think.

“Martin is out of contract as well in the summer, so that is a different dynamic to add into the mix.”

With Pope still out of action, it feels like Dubravka’s future will not be resolved until the dying embers of the January transfer window.

The crucial factor could be what Dubravka wants, and, as Hope says, it is understandable why the chance to play in Saudi Arabia at his age could be very appealing.