Eddie Howe confirms Newcastle United transfer decision in 12 words

Martin Dubravka won’t be leaving Newcastle United during the January transfer window, according to Eddie Howe.

The Slovakian joined Manchester United on a season-long loan deal last summer but requested to be recalled by the Magpies on January 1 after making just two Carabao Cup appearances.

He was included in the squad for Tuesday’s goalless draw at Premier League leaders Arsenal before being handed a start against Sheffield Wednesday with Nick Pope rested.

With United out of the FA Cup and Dubravka cup-tied for the Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Leicester City on Tuesday, first-team opportunities will be hard to come by.

However, the 33-year-old is ready to stick around and fight for his place. As per FIFA rules, he can only play for two clubs in one season.

Asked if Dubravka will stay on Tyneside for the remainder of the campaign, Howe told Sky Sports: “Yeah, absolutely he’ll stay. He’ll be part of our squad going forward.”

Howe admitted before the Sheffield Wednesday defeat that there could be a change in the goalkeeping department this month.

Newcastle have five senior goalkeepers on their books - Pope, Dubravka, Karl Darlow, Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie.

“That’s something we’ll have to decide as the window unfolds,” Howe said on Friday.

“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.”

Reacting to his Hillsborough appearance on Instagram, Dubravka said: “Thank you for your support and warm welcome, it means a lot to me.”