Important Newcastle United update as player 'agrees' personal terms over January move

The 32-year-old picked up a knee injury in the closing stages of the Magpies’ 4-2 defeat at Brentford on December 7 and was given a recovery time of six weeks.

United boss Eddie Howe confirmed Pope is still on course to return within that period, which suggests he could be available for either the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers or the visit of AFC Bournemouth to St James’ Park.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg tie away to Arsenal, Howe told reporters: “Nick is following the track that he was on and there has been no setbacks. He's on track for six weeks [return] from when he did the injury initially.

“He's doing well but I'm not in regular contact and haven't seen him for a couple of days so we'll have to see how he's doing.”

The return of Pope could prompt Newcastle into sanctioning Martin Dubravka’s move to Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab.

Howe said last Friday that he doesn’t want to lose the 35-year-old, who has started all six games in Pope’s absence - equalling in six wins and four clean sheets.

However, with the Slovakian out of contract in the summer, Howe spoke about respecting the player’s wishes. Sources in Saudi Arabia claim Dubravka has agreed personal terms on a move to Al Shabab.

“The situation with Martin is, we would not want him to leave but of course you have to respect and understand the player’s wishes as well in this,” Howe told NewcastleWorld when asked if Dubravka could leave when Pope is fit again.

“Martin is out-of-contract as well in the summer so that is a different dynamic to add into the mix. It’s all hypothetical.

“Martin is and has been fully committed, I think he’s been outstanding and a brilliant professional to work with. I’ve got a lot of respect for him and I think he’s done really well when you consider he didn’t play a lot of football and coming into the team. Fair to play him and how he’s handled that situation.”