Newcastle United issue official response as first January transfer gets 'financial approval'

Following Saturday’s 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur, Saudi Arabian newspaper claimed Dubravka’s last game for Newcastle will be the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg clash against Arsenal tomorrow after the Saudi Pro League side ‘obtained the approval of the Financial Sustainability Committee’

And when that was put to Howe at his pre-match press conference, he replied: “No, we’re just concentrating on the games. Massive game against Tottenham and a massive game quickly against Arsenal, there’s no talk of anything else other than the matches.”

Howe revealed last Friday that he doesn’t want to lose the 35-year-old but hinted the decision would be left to the player. Dubravka is out-of-contract at the end of the campaign would likely sign a more lucrative deal in the Middle East.

Indeed, the situation has been complicated by Nick Pope’s knee injury, which has seen Dubravka start the last six games. All six have ended in wins, and he has only conceded twice.

“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

“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.”