Eddie Howe’s short answer on Martin Dubravka’s Newcastle United future amid Leicester City links

Eddie Howe refused to entertain the prospect of Martin Dubravka leaving Newcastle United any time soon.

The Slovakian has been the Magpies’ undisputed No.1 for three-and-a-half-years but now faces strong competition from England international Nick Pope.

Leicester City have reportedly shown interest in Dubravka as a replacement for Kasper Schmeichel, who joined Ligue 1 club Nice earlier this week.

With Dubrava no longer United’s nailed on No.1, NewcastleWorld asked Howe if he would allow the 33-year-old to leave if he was offered those guarantees elsewhere.

The Newcastle head coach replied: “I think you’ve jumped way ahead there.

“First and foremost, I’ve got to pick the team and squad for tomorrow. Martin’s a valuable player to us.

“That’s a conversation for another day.”

With Pope, a £8million summer recruit from Burnley, set to rival Dubravka for the No.1 spot, Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie’s hopes of playing this season seem relatively low.

Speaking earlier this summer, Howe did not rule out a departure from his goalkeeping department.

He said: “I like all of them. I’ve got no complaints with the quality. I think we’ve got an outstanding group of goalkeepers.

“I think, whether we keep four goalkeepers at the end of pre-season, or the end of the transfer window, I don’t know at this moment in time. I think we’ll have to see what happens.”