Foreign source reports a major development involving Newcastle United star Martin Dubravka

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Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has agreed personal terms with a Saudi Pro-League side, according to reports.

The January transfer window is now open and reports suggest that Newcastle must sell before they can buy despite Eddie Howe’s desire to strengthen three positions in the upcoming transfer window.

It’s the first big test for Mitchell who joined in the summer, PSR remains a big problem for the club so sales are a must.

Miguel Almiron has interest from abroad while Sean Longstaff could also leave the club in January. Players like Jamaal Lascelles and Callum Wilson are set to stay at the club until the end of the season as they recover from lengthy injury spells.

Now, the latest transfer update suggests Martin Dubravka could be the first Newcastle player to depart in January.

Martin Dubravka agrees personal terms with Al-Shabab

Dubravka recently broke back into Newcastle’s first-team following an injury to Nick Pope. Howe is still unsure of when Pope will be back after initially saying he would miss four weeks’ worth of action.

Now, according to Asharq Al-Awsat, the 35-year-old has agreed personal terms with Al-Shabab over a move in January after a deal was agreed in principle in December.

The report suggests that the Slovakian international has agreed on all personal terms and the duration of the contract – all that’s left now is the approval of the Financial Sustainability Committee before the official signing between the two clubs.

There is no current confirmation regarding the length of the deal, but it’s a big blow for Howe who loses an in-form shot-stopper who has kept four consecutive Premier League clean sheets since returning to the squad.

Howe has been full of praise for Dubravka since he returned to the side – making just four saves in as many games thanks to a solid backline ahead of him.

“[He’s] vastly experienced and level-headed,” Howe said.

“I think he can be very pleased with his return to the team.”

Dubravka is out of contract in the summer so this will be the last time Newcastle can get a fee for him.

Howe doesn’t want Dubravka to leave Newcastle

Dubravka joined the club in January 2018 in a memorable 1-0 win against Manchester United at St James’ Park.

The 35-year-old has gone on to make 169 appearances in all competitions under Rafael Benitez, Steve Bruce and Howe, keeping 51 clean sheets.

When asked about speculation over Dubravka’s future, Howe said: “We wouldn’t want to lose the goalkeeper playing for us currently, that wouldn’t make sense”.

As well as Pope, Newcastle have Odysseas Vlachodimos, Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy as potential replacements for Dubravka after his departure.