While Newcastle United target Leicester City star James Maddison, the Foxes reportedly want to sign Toon goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
The Slovakian stopper’s Newcastle future has became uncertain this summer. Eddie Howe brought in Nick Pope for £10million, with the England international challenging Dubravka to be first choice.
It has been reported that Dubravka looks transformed by the arrival of Pope, but it would be a real shock to see the Rafa Benitez signing begin the season as number one.
Pope will surely start against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, leaving Dubravka, who cost £4million in 2018, on the bench.
It will mean the 33-year-old has gone from guaranteed starter to backup option, which drags his future into question. Dubravka’s agent has already stated that his client doesn’t want to play second fiddle.
While that might be the case at St James’ Park, a space could open up for Dubravka at the King Power.
Leicester want Dubravka
According to the Daily Mail, Brendan Rodgers’ side are interested in signing Newcastle’s number one.
Leicester’s need for a goalkeeper is set to desperately increase, with Kasper Schmeichel heading for the exit door. Interestingly, he was tentatively linked with Newcastle earlier in the summer, but the Magpies went for Pope instead.
The Denmark international is on the brink of signing for Nice, meaning the Foxes are about to lose their first choice stopper.
And the Daily Mail believe they could turn to Dubravka.
Dubravka interest could boost our Maddison hopes
With Newcastle looking to sign Maddison for a club record fee, Leicester’s interest in Dubravka could certainly help us out.
It was reported on Monday that we have made a second offer for the 25-year-old worth around £50million. However, it is still £10million short of Leicester’s £60million valuation.
So their pursuit of Dubravka could play into our hands. How much is the Toon goalkeeper worth? £10million perhaps?
Making a cash plush player offer for Maddison could finally convince Leicester to sell the midfielder.
It would mean everyone wins. Newcastle get the player they crave. Maddison gets the move he reportedly wants. Dubravka gets to be first choice somewhere else. Leicester finally get some money to spend, and their goalkeeping issue is solved.
Of course, this is all hypothetical. But Leicester’s interest in Dubravka is certainly intriguing, and adds another layer to the ‘Maddison to Newcastle’ saga.