Loris Karius set for shock new Newcastle contract despite not playing a single game and Martin Dubravka’s return

LORIS KARIUS is set to agree a new contract at Newcastle, reports suggest.

This is despite the ex-Liverpool goalkeeper not making a single appearance – other than a friendly outing in Saudi Arabia – since his arrival on Tyneside in September.

GettyLoris Karius is set to agree an extension at Newcastle[/caption]

After being released by the Reds at the end of last season, Karius was picked up by Newcastle on a free transfer after Martin Dubravka went on loan to Manchester United.

Then he signed a short-term deal and, despite the return of Dubravka since then, he has been offered an extension to the end of the season according to Florian Plettenberg.

It means three goalkeepers are now behind Nick Pope at the club, who has helped Newcastle cultivate the meanest defence in the Premier League with just 11 goals conceded.

Karl Darlow has returned from injury after his injury forced them to pick up Karius at the start of the season.

But with two more goalkeepers also now vying for minutes, it has now been reported he is expected to go out on loan for game time.

According to the Daily Mail, Darlow has been told Newcastle will listen to loan offers for him from the Championship towards the end of the window.

Huddersfield Town have already enquired about a transfer for the 32-year-old, but with Dubravka cup-tied in the Carabao Cup and Karius’ extension yet to be confirmed a loan could depend on injuries.

Before signing for Newcastle, Karius’ previous two seasons had seen him loaned out to Besiktas and Union Berlin from Liverpool.

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Off the pitch, Karius has started dating stunning Italian TV presenter Diletta Leotta.

The pair were recently pictured playing padel, following a romantic Winter Wonderland break.

InstagramKarius has been dating Diletta Leotta[/caption]