Eddie Howe is keen to extend Loris Karius' short-term deal until the end of the season with the German goalkeeper regarded as a good back-up choice for Nick Pope.
It is expected that Martin Dubravka will remain at Manchester United despite Howe - at one stage - open to discussing the possibility of a return to Newcastle after the Slovakia stopper struggled for game-time with the Red Devils. Dubravka was on the bench for much of the early part of his loan spell at Old Trafford.
But he has featured in the League Cup win against Aston Villa and featured in the friendly game Man United played in Spain against Cadiz in a 4-2 defeat in Spain. Dubravka said recently: "To be a Manchester United player is special, so I'll enjoy it."
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It is the first big hint that Dubravka would prefer to stay with Man United rather than push for the recall clause to be activated on his Newcastle contract. And that means Howe is likely to turn to former Liverpool stopper Karius, who is with the squad in Riyadh.
His current deal expires on December 31 but there is an option to extend meaning Karius, Karl Darlow and Pope could be the three keepers going into the second half of the season. Although, former Carlisle stopper Mark Gillespie is also on the Saudi Arabia tour and is also back from injury.
Karius will learn of the offer in the next week or two on the next step of his career. When he signed back in September, Howe did say: "He is a very good goalkeeper with Premier League and European experience and he will provide competition and support over an important part of the season."
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