Report: Newcastle keen on permanent Martin Dubravka deal

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Newcastle United are already eyeing the possibility of making Martin Dubravka’s loan deal permanent this summer.

According to a report from the Daily Mirror, Newcastle are already looking to make Martin Dubravka’s loan deal permanent at the end of the season after the goalkeeper’s inspired debut at the weekend.

Dubravka was one of three loan signings for the Magpies during the January transfer window, but was arguably the acquisition that Newcastle fans would have been most cautious about given that Kenedy and Islam Slimani came from Premier League rivals.

The Toon Army got their first glimpse of the 29-year-old in action on Sunday as he replaced Karl Darlow for Rafa Benitez’s side’s clash with Manchester United at St James’ Park – and it is safe to say that any doubters were well and truly silenced.

The Slovakian was brilliant in the win, and the Mirror is now reporting that Newcastle are already planning to make his deal permanent in the summer should they manage to keep themselves in the top flight.

The Mirror adds that Newcastle – who still see Freddie Woodman as their long-term number one – will pay £1.2 million as a loan fee if he plays six games this term, and the deal could become permanent for £4 million this summer.

Brilliant business for Newcastle

Newcastle fans may not like the way that their transfer policy rarely allows Benitez to break the bank – Michael Owen remains their club record signing – but they appear to have stumbled upon a couple of gems this season.

If Dubravka continues to play anywhere near as well as he did at the weekend, signing him permanently will be an undeniable bargain, much like the move to sign Mikel Merino earlier in the season. It is not always popular, but sometimes Newcastle’s recruitment policy comes up trumps in a big way.