What Eddie Howe has told Newcastle United chiefs to do as Martin Dubravka update emerges

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Martin Dubravka’s Newcastle United exit once looked imminent, it’s anything but that now.

Dubravka has enjoyed an unexpected spell as Newcastle’s number one in the absence of Nick Pope who has spent the last month on the sidelines with a knee ligament problem.

Since coming back into the starting XI, Dubravka has only conceded three goals across his nine appearances in all competitions.

Dubravka was set to depart Newcastle earlier in the January transfer window. It looked as if Dubravka was saying farewell to Newcastle fans after the Carabao Cup win against Arsenal but things have completely changed in the last week.

The Slovakian played all 90 minutes in Newcastle’s win against Bromley. Toon boss Eddie Howe wants Dubravka to stay at Newcastle, the club have even offered the 35-year-old an improved contract to try and tempt him to turn down the move to Al-Shabab.

With the transfer saga now dragging on, Al-Shabab have made it clear where they stand over his move.

Al-Shabab could drop out of Martin Dubravka deal

Saudi Pro-League side Al-Shabab have been in for Newcastle players in the past but none of them have ever completed a move.

Miguel Almiron nearly joined Al-Shabab in January 2024 but opted to stay at the club in pursuit of more Premier League minutes.

According to Ben Jacobs, Eddie Howe has personally ordered Newcastle chiefs to block Dubravka’s move to Al-Shabab.

The Saudi club have a verbal agreement with Dubravka and has agreed terms with Newcastle, but Howe and co have since changed their mind.

Jacobs claims that Al-Shabab aren’t prepared to wait much longer before opting to move onto a different target.

The deal isn’t completely off the table, Dubravka is open to the move but Howe’s reluctance to see him leave is a clear stumbling block which could end up being a dealbreaker.

What Eddie Howe has said about Dubravka

Transfers were a hot topic in Howe’s pre-match press conference, which was aired on Newcastle’s website.

Howe was asked about how Dubravka has been behind the scenes amid the exit talks.

“I think Martin’s handled himself really well in this period,” he said.

“Yeah, there’s been a lot of noise but when I look at him, he’s exactly the same. I think he’s got the experience now in his career to be able to handle these moments. Maybe as a younger player, he would have found it much more challenging.

“He’s kept going really well and I think he’s been very measured in his approach. He’s never let anything off that it would affect his psychology.”

Dubravka is in contention to start against Wolves at St James’ Park on Wednesday, Pope is set to return to the squad for the Magpies’ game against Bournemouth on Saturday.