Eddie Howe believes it makes ‘no sense’ for Newcastle to sell back-up goalkeeper Martin Dubravka in January – but it will be up to the Slovakian

Eddie Howe says it makes ‘no sense’ for Newcastle to sell goalkeeper Martin Dubravka whilst he is in the team – but he did not rule out a January exit.

Mail Sport revealed last week that the club’s hierarchy will let the Slovakian decide on his future next month, with an offer on the table from Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab.

However, the situation is complicated by a knee injury to No.1 Nick Pope, and he is not expected to return until the latter half of January.

Dubravka, who turns 36 next month, has started the last three matches and is in line to play the next five at the very least, including a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal.

Howe was asked on Friday if the club could sanction a move in the current situation.

‘Certainly, we wouldn’t want to lose the goalkeeper that’s playing for us currently, that wouldn’t make sense,’ said the head coach. ‘So, no, that isn’t a deal we would want to sanction currently.’

Dubravka is currently playing in the absence of Nick Pope who is currently out with a knee injury

Pope is not expected to be fit until late January which complicates any transfer for Dubravka

If Dubravka were to go when Pope is fit, would there be scope to bring in a replacement?

‘Well, these are questions that we have to find answers to,’ said Howe. ‘As I say, the Martin situation isn’t clear-cut, let’s wait and see what happens in the next few weeks.

‘But he’s certainly doing very well. I’ve been really pleased with his reintroduction to the team. I think he’s given us a calmness, a composure, he’s made a couple of really good saves. Let’s not forget the one he made at 1-0 against Ipswich, which was a big moment in the game.

‘So I’m delighted with how he’s playing. He’s in goal for us at the moment and doing a great job.’