Eddie Howe tells the current first-choice star it's HIS decision whether to leave 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 number one.

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

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

It would seem like a risk to let 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, whose contract expires in the summer.

“The situation with Martin is we don't want him to leave,” Howe said. 'But of course you have to respect and understand the player's wishes. It's not as clear cut as everyone would have us believe. “Martin is also out of contract in the summer, so it's a different dynamic to add to the mix.”

Howe added: “Martin is and has been fully committed, I think he has been an exceptional and brilliant professional to work with.” I have a lot of respect for him and I think he has done very well if we take into account that he didn't play much football when he came to the team. “It's fair to play with him and how he's handled that situation.”

Eddie Howe hopes to retain his first-team stars when the January window opens.

But the Newcastle boss hinted on Friday that it is up to Martin Dubravka (left) if he leaves.

Dubravka is currently the Magpies' starting goalkeeper with Nick Pope (above) injured.

Dubravka will remain 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 set to return after 10 months out with a knee injury, as Newcastle Confidential revealed this week.

The Dutchman is likely to start from the bench, as Howe said: “He has worked incredibly hard to get himself in good condition.” He's had three caps (outside the first team) and plenty of internal training too, so he's certainly in and around my thoughts.

“I'll have to make a decision on who I think is best suited to that position (in Schar's absence), but it's great to have Sven around and available again.”

And Howe admits Botman's return will be like “a new signing.”

“It's a cliché, but it's good,” he said. 'The same thing happened to Sandro (Tonali) when he returned from his suspension, he was like a new signing.

“It gave the boys a big boost to have Sandy back available for selection and Sven will be exactly the same.” He has been a great player for us and a player that all the boys like and like to play with, they have complete confidence in him.

“So when he comes back into the group, everyone feels really good, so (a new signing) is the good way to look at it.”