Aheed Abrar
Newcastle United and Manchester United in discussions for Martin Dubravka
Manchester United have held discussions with Newcastle United for the transfer of Slovak goalkeeper Martin Dubravka this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth on Twitter.
The 33-year-old has lost his place in Eddie Howe’s side, with former Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope the preferred first choice in goal. The Slovakia international was left out of the Newcastle squad as the Toons won 2-1 against Tranmere Rovers in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Dubravka is open to moving to Old Trafford this transfer window. Currently, Erik ten Hag has David de Gea and Tom Heaton as the two senior goalkeepers. However, the club wants to add more competition with the Newcastle goalkeeper being eyed.
Last season, David de Gea was the first choice at United. The Spaniard was able to keep out Dean Henderson from the squad.
In the 2020/21 campaign, the England international and De Gea shared minutes in between the sticks. People thought Henderson would go on to pip the Spaniard in the XI. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick did not give the 25-year-old the opportunity last season.
Subsequently, Henderson left United on loan this summer and joined Nottingham Forest. The England international will hope to replicate the form he showed at Sheffield United a few years back.
Now, Ten Hag is left short in the goalkeeping department. De Gea and Heaton both played a part during the pre-season. However, it seems the Dutch manager doesn’t trust the 36-year-old to adequately back up the Spaniard.
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It remains to be seen whether the club is successful in reaching an agreement with Newcastle for Dubravka. The 33-year-old is an experienced shot-stopper, having been involved in 127 Premier League games. Ten Hag can count on him in case De Gea is unavailable.
