Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is attracting attention from Juventus, his agent Pavel Zika has confirmed.
Dubravka, 30, has been in superb form for Newcastle since he was signed by Rafa Benitez in January 2018, but it seems as though he could be on the move this summer, with clubs from the Premier League also interested in him.
Zika could be using this interest to try and earn Dubravka a new contract at St James’ Park, with talks seeming as though they are talking place.
“We can confirm that Martin belongs to the Juventus Scout Department’s list of long-term players,” Zika said, as quoted by the Mirror.
“However, we must mention that [he] is not only monitored by Nedved’s Juventus, but there are also Premier League clubs.
“Our personal tip with my brother is that Martin stays in England. Our effort, but also Newcastle’s endeavour, is to negotiate a new contract at the end of this season, as Martin came to Newcastle as a virtually unknown Czech league player, but quickly became a major player of the entire team and already has an excellent reputation throughout the English league.
“So we are gradually starting to negotiate an improved contract, but of course, on the other hand, we record interest from a number of other clubs in the English league.
“Martin Dubravka is in agreement that our goal is to prove as much as possible in England.”
OPINION
Dubravka has been untouchable in Newcastle’s starting line-up ever since joining the club, initially on loan, last season. He has since made 42 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies, conceding just 49 goals in the process and keeping 13 clean sheets. Not many goalkeepers in England have had a better season and a half than the Slovakia international, so Rafa Benitez needs to do his best to try and keep hold of him amid all this interest. However Zika appears to be trying to strike some fear into Newcastle by claiming all these clubs are interested in his client. If the Magpies believe Zika’s comments then they may be more willing to meet Dubravka’s demands and hand him a bigger deal. Either way it’s not something that the Tyneside club should risk. Dubravka is a brilliant shot-stopper and fans will be praying that he does not leave in the summer.