Newcastle United are facing decision time on former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius.
The German shot-stopper's short-term deal expires at the end of this month with Karl Darlow now fit again and ready to push Nick Pope in the second half of the season. United did not register injured back-up goalie Mark Gillespie after an injury last summer.
Karius was brought in as an emergency signing after Darlow suffered an ankle injury in training and the Magpies found themselves short-handed in the goalie department. Karius had eight unused substitute stints on the bench in league and cup.
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Karius indicated he was keen to join Newcastle back in September and said then: "I felt it was the right project for me and I'm excited to work with the coaches and my new teammates."
Eddie Howe also has talks planned with Martin Dubravka before the month is over with a recall clause available on the Slovakia international. Dubravka's move to Man United on loan hasn't been ideal but he did play in the League Cup against Aston Villa before the World Cup.
Further assurances he will play in the League Cup for Man United - with a home tie to Burnley next - could see Dubravka to keep going at Old Trafford. Although he is yet to feature in the Europa League for the club as expected.
When asked about Dubravka, Howe said last month: "All I will say is I love Martin as a lad, he did brilliantly for us last year. And he is an outstanding goalkeeper and I will have a chat with him at the right time. Of course yeah the door is still open. A lot depends on what Martin wants. We will take it from there."
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