As you may have heard, Manchester United are in talks to sign Martin Dubravka on loan from Newcastle.
Erik ten Hag is searching for a new backup to David de Gea after Dean Henderson joined Nottingham Forest on loan, and an offer has been sent to take the Slovakia international on a season-long loan.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has revealed an interesting detail about the deal.
What’s the story?
Well, the reliable Italian journalist believes Manchester United have also negotiated a £5m buyout clause in the deal, meaning they can sign Dubravka on a permanent basis next summer if he impresses at Old Trafford.
Therefore, the 33-year-old may have already played his final game for Newcastle.
Dubravka lost his place in the starting XI to Nick Pope following the England international’s £10m move from Burnley, and was not in the squad last night as Newcastle beat Tranmere 2-1 in the Carabao Cup.
Karl Darlow was chosen to start in between the sticks with Mark Gillespie deputising on the bench.
Manchester United have made their move for Dubravka after being rejected by Kevin Trapp, who decided to stay at Eintracht Frankfurt following their Europa League win last season.
Newcastle have done well out of Martin Dubravka
In our view, the signing of Dubravka was one of the best deals done during the reign of Mike Ashley – not that there’s much competition, in truth.
The Magpies signed their No.1 in 2018 in a £4m deal, and he went on to make 130 appearances in all competitions.
Dubravka kept 37 clean sheets in those outings, and if he does well for Manchester United, Newcastle could even make a £1m profit on their initial investment.
Whatever happens to Dubravka at Old Trafford, Newcastle have done some clever recruitment in the goalkeeping department in recent years – to say the least.
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