It looks like Martin Dubravka will be staying at Newcastle United after all.
Just one week ago, Martin Dubravka waved goodbye to Newcastle United fans after starring in the 2-0 win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.
It was an emotional farewell from a goalkeeper who has spent the last seven years of his career on Tyneside. Everything suggested that Dubravka’s move to Saudi Arabia was imminent.
Newcastle were set to earn £6m from Dubravka’s sale, which seemed to go against Eddie Howe’s wishes to keep the player. However, just hours after Martin Dubravka waved goodbye, Newcastle completed a U-turn and decided he should stay.
Fans chanted for Dubravka to stay during Newcastle’s 3-1 win over Bromley in the FA Cup, and it seems club chiefs are now working on a new deal for the 35-year-old shot-stopper.
Newcastle enter Martin Dubravka contract talks
Nick Pope’s injury was a key factor in Newcastle’s Dubravka U-turn. He has been Howe’s first-choice goalkeeper while Pope is sidelined. With the club currently on an eight-game win streak, they did not want to risk losing Dubravka during such an important run.
However, reports suggested that Dubravka did not want to sign a new contract with his current deal set to expire in the summer.
But Newcastle are willing to make an offer to Dubravka that they believe will keep the player happy at St James’ Park.
According to iNews, Newcastle are now in negotiations with Dubravka over a new deal. The Magpies are willing to match the wages offered by Saudi or even offer a contract extension to the player in their latest attempt to keep hold of him.
They claim Dubravka was only in line for a modest pay rise in the two-and-a-half-year deal at Al Shabab. Newcastle are now willing to match that pay rise in their latest contract offer.
Dubravka is currently earning £40,000 per week at Newcastle.
Newcastle United delay James Trafford pursuit
With Dubravka now set to stay at St James’ Park for the second half of the season, it has major implications on Newcastle’s move for James Trafford.
In late December, reports claimed Newcastle accelerated their interest in Trafford as they looked to get a deal over the line in January.
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However, with Dubravka staying, Trafford will not join Newcastle this month with the Magpies expected to revisit the deal in the summer.
Newcastle have also shown interest in Aaron Ramsdale, who could be made available if Southampton are relegated from the Premier League.
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