The Newcastle United deal which could get done very quickly

Karius joined the club as a free agent on a short-term contract in September after Karl Darlow suffered an injury in training. The 29-year-old’s contract ends next month, but the club have the option to extend his stay at St James’s Park.

Head coach Eddie Howe and his staff have been impressed by Karius, who left Liverpool last summer. They feel that he has improved since arriving at the club – and they want to keep him. However, nothing has yet been agreed with Karius, who is yet to make an appearance for the club.

Karius, in Saudi Arabia with his team-mates ahead for a winter training camp, spoke about his move earlier this season.

He said: “Everything happened very quick. I had to make a quick decision. It was clear that it felt good from the first moment. It came out of nowhere. It was a good opportunity for me.”