According to the Chronicle, Martin Dubravka is currently unhappy at Newcastle due to a lack of playing time under Steve Bruce.
The 24-cap Slovakia international was the undisputed No.1 for the Magpies last season, starting all 38 of the club’s Premier League games.
However, a cracked heel bone suffered during the club’s pre-season training camp in York saw him miss months of action.
In that time, Karl Darlow stepped up with some fantastic displays, which eventually led to Gareth Southgate taking a look at him as the Chronicle revealed.
The ex-Nottingham Forest glovesman has been so good that he’s even kept the No.1 shirt despite Dubravka’s return.
The 32-year-old made his first start of the season in the 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal in January, but was immediately benched when Premier League action returned.
Bruce has a huge dilemma here.
It would be so cruel to axe Darlow after his stunning performances this season.
However, it would be a shame to lose the £38,000-a-week man as a result of his unhappiness, for he is a fine goalkeeper.
After he won the club’s Player of the Year award in 2018, Alan Shearer described the shot-stopper as ‘superb’ – he really is a good glovesman.
It’s a hugely tough decision for Bruce, although after all, he’s paid to make big calls such as this.
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