Good news for Newcastle United this morning, with England goalkeeper Nick Pope “not far away” from returning to action, according to Eddie Howe.
Not only that, our correspondent Chris Waugh reports that Howe is still hopeful Martin Dubravka can be convinced to stay beyond January as Pope’s team-mate.
Dubravka is entering the final six months of his contract and has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side, Al Shabab.
Here is what Howe has been saying this morning:
💬 “It’s business as usual with Martin. He’s still here, he’s part of what we’re trying to do and he’s playing well.
“Martin’s been in a difficult situation. Any player who is coming out of contract in the summer, there’s always that feeling of doubt.
“He’s played really well, I’ve been really pleased with him. Hopefully, we can come to some sort of agreement with him.”
I was not expecting that sort of statement judging by the noises we were hearing from Newcastle at the start of the week.
There’s more from Chris below. Newcastle host League Two Bromley in the FA Cup this weekend, with Odysseas Vlachodimos set to deputise in goal.
GO FURTHER
Nick Pope ‘not far away’ from injury return as Eddie Howe hopeful Martin Dubravka stays at Newcastle
