Newcastle will try to convince Martin Dubravka to stay at the club beyond this month, Mail Sport can reveal.
There was a feeling this week that the club's hierarchy could be prepared to sanction the goalkeeper's move to Saudi Arabia, against Eddie Howe's wishes.
However, we understand that all parties within St James' Park are on the same page and would like Dubravka to stay as he is currently in the team and performing very well.
The complication is the Slovak's desire to join Al-Shabab, where a lucrative contract awaits. He turns 36 this month and his contract with Newcastle expires in the summer. He could also return as a back-up once Nick Pope is fit later this month.
Howe and sporting director Paul Mitchell are said to be sympathetic to Dubravka's situation and there is a desire to do right by the player.
But with very little financial incentive to let him go now, coupled with his importance to the squad, it is clear that efforts will be made to keep him at St James' Park until the summer. A new contract is unlikely (it is not thought the player wants it) but a reward could be negotiated.
The side were given a brief break after Tuesday's 2-0 win over Arsenal and so far no final decision has been made on his future.
Dubravka appeared to wave goodbye to supporters in tears after the match at the Emirates Stadium, and the challenge for the club is to bring him back from a mentality where he may have checked out.
Had it not been for Pope's injury and Dubravka's subsequent excellent form, he would have been allowed to leave this month. But circumstances have changed and with the potential of a Carabao Cup final on the horizon and a push for Champions League qualification, Newcastle want to keep a goalkeeper who has proven his worth in recent weeks.
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