Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has claimed that goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is unhappy at Newcastle United amid exit talk.
According to new reports from Football Insider, the Slovakian could be on his way to a rival Premier League club in the very near future.
Indeed, Manchester United seem keen on bringing in another alternative to David de Gea and will potentially sign Dubravka on an initial loan with a £5m switch then being finalised at the end of the season.
Amid all this talk, it seems as though convincing the goalkeeper to make the switch won’t be difficult as the Magpies man hasn’t been happy since Nick Pope arrived in the summer.
While speaking on the Sky Sports Transfer Show, Sheth explained his full understanding of the situation, saying: “This was emerging last night. Manchester United now in talks with Newcastle United over the loan signing of Martin Dubravka.
“Personal terms, I’m told, are not expected to be a problem. He’s got a contract at Newcastle until 2025. But he does want to make that move.
“You remember when Nick Pope came into the squad, Dubravka pushed down to the number two position. And well, he’s not very happy about that.
“And he wasn’t in the squad for the EFL Cup tie at Tranmere last night, but it was later said that it was illness that and ruled him out. But he wasn’t in that squad at all.”
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TIF thoughts on Newcastle United and Martin Dubravka…
Last season, Dubravka was trusted frequently between the sticks by Eddie Howe – starting 26 Premier League games. This term, however, he has lost his spot and is yet to feature.
In his place, Pope – who arrived from Burnley – seems to be the undisputed number one, having played every match so far for Newcastle.
With that in mind, it’s not hard to see why Dubravka might be frustrated by his position at the club. And so, it makes sense for him to be open to a switch.
Even so, it might not be easy for him to come in a take De Gea’s spot in the United team – with the Spaniard having nearly 400 league appearances to his name. Indeed, the Slovakian may well find himself on the bench at either club this season, regardless of what happens in the final week or so of the window.