Newcastle want Martin Dubravka to STAY after playing a key role in their resurgence – despite the goalkeeper’s tearful goodbye to fans after win at Arsenal amid proposed move to Saudi Arabia

Newcastle will try to persuade 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 ready to sanction the goalkeeper’s move to Saudi Arabia, against the wishes of Eddie Howe.

However, we understand that all parties within St James’ Park are on the same page and would like Dubravka to remain, given he is currently in the team and performing very well.

The complication is the Slovakian’s desire to join Al-Shabab, where a lucrative contract awaits. He turns 36 this month and his Newcastle deal expires in the summer. He could also revert to 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 want to do the right thing by the player.

But given there is very little financial incentive in letting him go now, coupled with his importance to the squad, it is understood an effort will be made to keep him at St James’ Park until the summer. A new contract is unlikely – the player isn’t thought to want this – but it could be that some reward is negotiated.

But Eddie Howe wants Dubravka to stay rather than leave for Saudi Arabia this month

Dubravka has been in fine form as Newcastle have won their last seven games in all competitions

The squad were given a short period of time off after Tuesday’s 2-0 win at Arsenal and, as of now, no definite decision has been made on his future.

Dubravka appeared to wave a tearful goodbye to supporters following the game at the Emirates Stadium, and the challenge the club have is to bring him back from a mindset whereby he may have checked out.

Were it not for Pope’s injury and Dubravka’s subsequent excellent form, he would have been allowed to leave this month. But the 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.