Newcastle United agreement hint as player issues 21-word message after transfer request

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Martin Dubrvaka is increasingly likely to stay at Newcastle United, despite receiving an offer from Al Shabab.

Martin Dubravka thanked Newcastle United fans for the love and support he was shown during Sunday’s FA Cup win over Bromley.

The Slovakian started his eighth consecutive game and maintained his 100% win record after goals from Lewis Miley, Anthony Gordon and Will Osula cancelled out Cameron Congreve’s shock opener.

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Dubravka was set to join Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab this month but is increasingly likely to remain at St James’ Park. Head coach Eddie Howe has said on several occasions he wants to keep to Dubravka - and now Newcastle fans have made their feelings known.

Midway through the second half against Bromley, ‘oh Martin Dubravka’ echoed around the stadium before the Gallowgate End chanted ‘Martin Dubravka, we want you to stay’.

Both were heard by Dubravka, who took to Instagram after the game to thank supporters. “He wrote: Thank you to all NUFC fans for your love and support you give me, means a lot 🙏🏼into the next round ⚽️🧤 @nufc”

With Dubravka out of contract in June, the Magpies have been keen to respect the goalkeeper’s wishes. A move to the Middle East would bring an increased salary and a longer-term deal.

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But Newcastle are now confident of retaining Dubrvaka’s services - at least until the end of the season, having held talks over an agreement in recent days.

“I hope he will stay and I hope potentially he may agree a new contract but I don’t know, that is nothing I am dealing with currently,” said Howe.

“We’ve had discussions, of course, about his future but I think we’re very relaxed. He’s never said he wanted to leave, I think he’s enjoying playing and enjoying the moment the team is in so I don’t expect any major announcement.

“We hope everything will die down and now he is very much part of our future.”

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