Puzzling Newcastle United contract update despite performances against Man Utd and Arsenal as star 'set to leave'

Loris Karius is unlikely to be offered a fresh Newcastle United contract this summer, according to reports.

The German was signed 18 months ago following Martin Dubravka’s loan move to Manchester United. An experienced goalkeeper, former Liverpool star Karius arrived with Champions League experience but was always going to be backup to Nick Pope.

A bizarre turn of events resulted in Karius making his Toon debut in the club’s biggest game for a generation. Pope was sent off against Liverpool and Dubravka was cup-tied - forcing Howe to pick the 30-year-old in the Carabao Cup final.

Karius was again thrown in the deep end at Arsenal away last month and, despite the 4-1 scoreline, came out of the game with credit. Howe refused to blame the goalie when grilled by reporters post-match.

“I think we didn’t defend him and our goal well enough,” he said. “We haven’t done that well enough in recent weeks so that’s definitely something for me to think about.

“Loris did nothing wrong. He made some good saves. He kicked ok but, yeah, a tough night for him though.”

Despite never letting the Magpies down, Karius appears likely to be moved on in the summer. That is according to Football Insider, who claim the German will be moved on when his contract expires in June.

Dubravka has cemented his status as first reserve to Pope but Newcastle could recoup a nominal fee for the Slovak international. However, they look set to stick with the 35-year-old, allowing Karius to head elsewhere and potentially creating an opportunity for an academy graduate to stake his claim.