Newcastle United in talks to reach January agreement - but 'major announcement' downplayed

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Newcastle United remain hopeful of reaching an agreement that will see Martin Dubravka stay at the club beyond January.

Despite suggestions he could be rested, the Slovakian started the Magpies’ 3-1 win against Bromley in the FA Cup third round on Sunday afternoon.

Dubravka has played the last eight matches in Nick Pope’s absence, all of which have ended in wins. He has an offer on the table from Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab but Eddie Howe wants to keep the goalkeeper.

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Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United acknowledges the fans during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Newcastle United and Bromley at St James' Park on January 12, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United acknowledges the fans during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Newcastle United and Bromley at St James' Park on January 12, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United acknowledges the fans during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Newcastle United and Bromley at St James' Park on January 12, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images

And so too do the supporters, who sang “Martin Dubravka, we want you to stay” midway through the second-half.

United boss Eddie Howe has confirmed United remain in talks with the 35-year-old, who is out of contract the end of the campaign: “No, there is no fresh update but I don’t expect one. Martin, touch wood, I hope he will stay and I don’t think that will change.

“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.”

“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. But yeah, hopefully that will be the case.”

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