Eddie Howe tells current first-choice star it is HIS decision whether he leaves Newcastle in January… despite wanting the ‘outstanding’ player and ‘brilliant professional’ to stay

Eddie Howe has hinted that Newcastle will let Martin Dubravka decide if he wants to leave the club this month, despite him currently being No 1.

Mail Sport revealed before Christmas that the hierarchy would allow the Slovakian to make a call on his own future, with an offer on the table from Saudi club Al-Shabab.

With Nick Pope sidelined until the back end of this month with a knee injury, Dubravka has started each of the team’s last five victories and has conceded just one goal.

It would appear to be a risk letting him go – especially with the possibility of a Carabao Cup final on the horizon – but Howe says the decision could be left to the 35-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer.

‘The situation with Martin is we would not want him to leave,’ said Howe. ‘But of course you have to respect and understand the player’s wishes. It’s not as clear-cut as everyone would necessarily have you think. Martin is out of contract as well in the summer, so that is a different dynamic to add into the mix.’

Howe added: ‘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 when coming into the team. Fair to play him and how he’s handled that situation.’

But the Newcastle boss hinted on Friday that it is up to Martin Dubravka (left) whether he goes

Dubravka is currently the Magpies’ first-choice goalkeeper with Nick Pope (above) out injured

Dubravka will continue in goal for Saturday’s trip to Tottenham, but centre-back Fabian Schar is suspended.

The good news for Howe is that centre-back Sven Botman is ready to return after 10 months out with a knee injury, as revealed by Newcastle Confidential this week.

It is likely the Dutchman will start from the bench, as Howe said: ‘He’s worked incredibly hard to get himself in a good condition. He’s had three games (non first-team), a lot of internal training as well, so he’s certainly in and around my thoughts.

‘I’ll have to make a decision as to who I think best fits that position (in Schar’s absence) but it’s great to have Sven in and around and available again.’

And Howe admits the return of Botman will be like ‘a new signing’.

‘It is a cliche but it’s a good one,’ he said. ‘It was the same with Sandro (Tonali) when he came back from his ban, he was like a new signing.

‘It gave the lads a big lift to have Sandy back available for selection and Sven will be exactly the same. He’s been a massive player for us and a player the lads all like and like to play with, they have got total trust in him. 

‘So when he comes back into the group, it gives everyone a great feeling, so (a new signing) is the good way of looking at it.’