Two-and-half-year contract deal after double Newcastle United transfer approach

Dubravka was expected to join the Saudi Pro League side at the beginning of the month but has since agreed to stay at St James’ Park following sit-down talks.

The Slovakian is out of contract at the end of the campaign and had a lucrative offer on the table from Al Shabab. However, he has made it almost impossible for the Magpies to let him go with his 11 appearances this campaign coinciding with 10 wins.

“Martin has never said he wants to leave and he's been a very, very good professional for us,” Howe said earlier this month. “He's come into the team and compliments to him because it's difficult for a goalkeeper.

“Nick was playing and Martin obviously wasn't and was waiting for his chance. You have to stay ready, you have to stay focused, you never know when that chance is coming.

“It came and he was able to come straight into the team and perform. His training levels have always been very, very high. He's whole-hearted, whatever the weather, he's there.

“I know how much Newcastle means to him and you can see that emotionally, he's very invested. Of course, all those things will be playing a part in his decision-making and our decision-making and hopefully there's a successful outcome at the end."

After missing out on Dubravka’s signature, Al Shabab then approached Vlachodimos but the Greek rejected their advances.

Vlachodimos joined Newcastle for a reported £20million from Nottingham Forest last summer as part of the late PSR scramble that forced Elliot Anderson to move in the opposite direction for £35million.

The 30-year-old has been limited to just one appearance since his arrival. Howe hinted on Friday that United are open to offers.

“I'm not ruling anything out in terms of players leaving, but certainly not our core established players in the team,” Howe told NewcastleWorld. “There might be movement in certain other players.”

Al Shabab have since moved away from both goalkeepers after agreeing a deal elsewhere. As per journalist Ben Jacobs, the Saudi club are set to sign Georgiy Bushchan from Dynamo Kyiv on a two-and-a-half year contract.