Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka didn’t feature against Tranmere on Wednesday night, and is now being linked with a move to Manchester United.
The cup tie looked like the perfect opportunity for him to get some minutes under his belt. Dubravka is no longer Newcastle’s first choice stopper, having been replaced by Nick Pope.
But when team news dropped at 6.45pm, the Slovakian was nowhere to be seen. Karl Darlow started instead, with Mark Gillespie sat on the bench.
It kicked off speculation that Dubravka could be on his way out. Shortly after full time, Sky Sports reported that Manchester United wanted to sign the 33-year-old.
And it sounds like he wants to make the move.
Martin Dubravka to Manchester United could be a goer
According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, Dubravka wants to leave Newcastle and join Manchester United.
He has written on Twitter: “Dubravka’s representatives to hold face to face talks with Newcastle United this week. Deal under discussion is a loan. Personal terms not expected to be an issue. Dubravka wants the move.”
Supporters will be sad to see Dubravka go if he does join Man United. He was relatively unknown when Rafa Benitez brought him to the club in 2018, but he quickly established himself as the Magpies’ number one.
He’s been brilliant over the years, with only injury hindering his time on Tyneside.
But Pope has come in this summer and excelled already, leaving Dubravka in limbo. He will know that he doesn’t have a great chance of regaining his place in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.
While he will also be second choice at Old Trafford, there will be more opportunities for minutes. Erik ten Hag’s side are set to compete in the Europa League, which will given Dubravka the chance to play European football.
On top of that, he might fancy his chances of replacing David de Gea given how the Spaniard has started the season.
Newcastle do need to move a goalkeeper on before the transfer window closes, as we do not need four senior stoppers. Who goes is dependent on interest from other clubs, meaning it makes the most sense for Dubravka to depart.
Dan Ashworth needs to get rid of someone, and Dubravka is the man who is attracting interest. And the most important thing is that he wants to make the move.
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