Newcastle United have tabled a last-ditch bid to sign Sparta Prague goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, according to Chronicle reporter Chris Waugh.
The reliable journalist claimed on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday morning that his sources in Czechia say that the Magpies staged a new offer for Dubravka, 29, on Tuesday night.
It is understood that the Czech First League club are confident that a deal can be agreed before the 11pm transfer deadline in England and are already looking at signing up a replacement for the Slovakia international.
Sources in Czech Republic say #nufc returned last night with a new offer for Slovakia international goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Seems like Sparta Prague believe a deal can be agreed before the deadline – & are already looking for a replacement. #nufc are still after a GK
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) January 31, 2018
Dubravka has been a regular feature in Sparta Prague’s side in the Czech top-flight this season.
He has made 15 appearances in all competitions, keeping seven clean sheets in the process.
Rafa Benitez has been widely reported to be in the hunt for a new goalkeeper ever since Newcastle’s promotion to the Premier League at the end of last season and now it seems that he is finally making progress to finding a new number one.
Good move for Newcastle?
Dubravka has never played in any of Europe’s bigger leagues. He has spent time in his native Slovakia, Denmark and Czechia but is yet to be really tested against top opposition. The former Zilina shot-stopper has featued in European competitions, but due to the strength of the sides he has played for, he has never really made it very far. The 29-year-old is pretty much an unknown quantity but Benitez will no doubt have done thorough scouting on him before making an offer. The Magpies would also not be trying to sign a back-up goalkeeper so it’s very likely that Dubravka would be the new first choice.
This is Futbol rating 6/10
Likely to happen?
It seems that this deal is still quite far away from competition so Newcastle’s biggest enemy may be time. Unless Dubravka is stationed in England ready to make his move already, he would have to spend a good chunk of the day travelling to Tyneside to wrap up any last-ditch deal. Sparta Prague seem confident though, so that is a good omen for Benitez.
This is Futbol rating 7/10