Eddie Howe admits one of five players could leave Newcastle United after transfer request

Eddie Howe has admitted that one of Newcastle United’s five goalkeepers could leave during the January transfer window.

Martin Dubravka’s request to have his loan spell at Manchester United cut short means the Magpies now have five senior goalies on their books.

As well as the Slovakian, Howe also has Nick Pope, Karl Darlow, Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie at his disposal for tomorrow’s FA Cup third round tie at Sheffield Wednesday.

Asked how Dubravka’s return could have an impact, Howe said: “That’s something we’ll have to decide as the window unfolds.

“I think Martin’s return is slightly unexpected and gives us probably top-heavy goalkeeping department in terms of numbers, so let’s see what happens with that.”

Howe was quizzed on potential incomings, and his message was the same.

The Magpies head coach would like to strengthen his squad, which currently sits third in the Premier League, but is set to be restricted by Financial Fair Play after spending £210million new signings last year.

The 45-year-old said: “We’ve spent money in the previous two windows. Financial Fair Play is impacting what we can do. I think it goes against FFP and our need to improve, and they are two different things.”

He added: “We were never going to be in a position where we were doing early business in this window. I’ve said many times, it’s a different window from the ones we’ve gone through already.

“We’re in a position where we are taking stock and re-evaluating on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis. Let’s see what happens as the window unfolds.”