Could Benitez uncertainty harm Newcastle’s hopes of Dubravka deal?

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Newcastle United are reportedly in talks to sign Martin Dubravka on a four-year deal after his exceptional loan spell at St James’ Park.

If Mike Ashley needed any proof that Rafa Benitez is a man to put your trust in when it comes to the transfer market, he only needs to look at how successful two of Newcastle’s loan signings from the most recent January transfer window turned out to be.

Islam Slimani may have struggled, but Kenedy and Martin Dubravka played crucial roles in guiding the Magpies away from danger in the Premier League table during the second-half of the season. And while it remains to be seen what happens with Kenedy’s future, it appears that Newcastle are preparing to make sure that Dubravka remains at St James’ Park again next season.

The Shields Gazette are reporting that talks are underway that will see Dubravka join permanently on a four-year deal for around £3.5 million.

Keeping Dubravka would have to be deemed a fantastic piece of business from the Magpies given how well he performed during his loan spell. But would it be a major surprise if the 29-year-old now backed away ever so slightly from talks given the reports surrounding Benitez’s future at Newcastle?

The Daily Mirror reports that West Ham are planning to make an approach for Benitez as they look to replace David Moyes this summer, and the Hammers are reportedly ready to back their new manager with a significant transfer kitty. It remains to be seen how Benitez may react to the interest, but perhaps it would not be out of the question to suggest that he may be tempted to consider leaving if Ashley is not willing to back him in the market.

With Benitez so integral to how well Newcastle have done to bounce back from relegation and re-establish themselves at the highest level, it would be a huge blow to the entire squad if the Spaniard decided to leave the club this summer. And they would surely feel that something had to be wrong if he felt that a move to West Ham represented a forward step at this current stage.

Dubravka may well be determined to sign for Newcastle on a permanent basis regardless of whether Benitez is staying or not. But Newcastle fans would be forgiven for fearing whether the current uncertainty over the manager’s future may have an impact on their transfer dealings for the time-being – including with the deal to get Dubravka to sign a long-term contract at St James’.