Final week, experiences in Saudi Arabia claimed that Al-Shabab had agreed a deal in precept to signal Martin Dubravka in January.
The Slovakian has began our final three video games following a knee damage to Nick Pope, maintaining two clear sheets within the course of, and has carried out effectively in that interval, including a little bit extra composure together with his toes as we’ve appeared to play out from the again.
However, with rumours of a sale not going away, it was inevitable that Eddie Howe was requested about his future throughout this morning’s press convention. Right here’s what he needed to say.
Howe was fast to dispel {that a} deal had been agreed, however hasn’t dominated out the potential for Dubravka to depart.
“That’s information to me,” Howe mentioned. “I’m conscious of the rumours however I don’t assume it’s bought to that time.”
“Definitely, we wouldn’t wish to lose the goalkeeper that’s taking part in for us presently, that wouldn’t make sense. So, no, that isn’t a deal that we’d wish to sanction presently.”
“The Martin scenario isn’t clear-cut, let’s wait and see what occurs within the subsequent few weeks. I’ve been actually happy together with his reintroduction into the workforce. He’s introduced calmness and composure, and let’s not overlook the save he made at Ipswich in a key second within the recreation.”
If Pope was match then it appears it might have been doubtless that Dubravka might have been near a deal in January, we aren’t precisely wanting depth at goalkeeper in any case, however the primary being out of motion could revitalise his deputy’s Toon profession.
It could be the appropriate time to maneuver Dubravka on regardless, given he’s out of contract in 2026 making this our final probability to get a price for the 35-year-old amidst our a lot publicised PSR mess.
Nonetheless, with Pope sideline and no date for his return but with some key fixtures arising – can we afford to promote our No. 2? We do have Odysseas Vlachodimos, who can fill in and try to battle his method up the rankings, nevertheless it sounds as if Howe would like to not sanction a sale for Heco.
It’s a ready recreation, specifically for information on Pope, however this might be one to observe this winter.