A new twist in Martin Dubravka transfer saga after emotional Newcastle United gesture

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Martin Dubravka looks set to leave Newcastle United in January.

Dubravka has come into Newcastle’s first-team squad in the absence of Nick Pope who is still recovering from a knee injury. Dubravka kept four straight clean sheets for Newcastle in the Premier League – the first time the Slovakian had done it despite joining the club in 2018.

Speculation around the 35-year-old’s future hasn’t ceased until the January transfer window. Dubravka has reportedly agreed personal terms with Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League. It’s the last time sporting director Paul Mitchell will be able to receive a fee for him with his contract expiring in the summer.

Dubravka played in Newcastle’s win against Arsenal on Tuesday night, making two saves. Video captured at the ground showed Dubravka visibly upset in front of the Newcastle fans that travelled to North London – many speculated that was his moment to say farewell to the fans.

However, recent words from Luke Edwards suggest that the moment could all be for nothing.

Dubravka’s Newcastle exit not confirmed says Luke Edwards

The Slovakian is liked by Toon boss Eddie Howe. Dubravka’s exit from Newcastle ‘makes no sense’ to Howe, who has guided the Magpies to seven wins in a row across all competitions.

According to Luke Edwards, it is still far from certain that Dubravka will leave Newcastle in January. He claims that a deal is still yet to be agreed between the two clubs despite reports that personal terms had been agreed.

He also says that the emotional farewell at the Emirates may have been a bit premature.

There is more than three weeks left in the January transfer window, and Newcastle are expecting outgoings to fund new signings.

How much Newcastle will make from Dubravka’s sale

Howe is also expecting Miguel Almiron to depart Newcastle in January – the 30-year-old has fallen out of Newcastle’s starting XI with Jacob Murphy in red-hot form.

Newcastle expects around £5-6million from Dubravka’s sale, a great fee given his age. The Magpies want Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, a fee in the region of £20m is considered enough to make the Clarets accept.

Trafford has made 25 appearances in the Championship this season, keeping 16 clean sheets and conceding just nine goals.

The 22-year-old is seen as a long-term replacement for both Dubravka and Pope who is now 32 years old.