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Report: Newcastle target decides he isn’t leaving, Benitez now wants Martin Dubravka

Harry Kane of England attempts to block Martin Dubravka of Slovakia during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between England and Slovakia at Wemble...
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Newcastle United are reportedly keen on Martin Dubravka.

Harry Kane of England attempts to block Martin Dubravka of Slovakia during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between England and Slovakia at Wembley Stadium on September 4, 2017 in London,...Harry Kane of England attempts to block Martin Dubravka of Slovakia

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle United are turning their attention to Sparta Prague goalkeeper Martin Dubravka in their search for a new stopper.

The Magpies need reinforcements this month, but with confusion over the club’s takeover situation, manager Rafael Benitez isn’t even sure of the budget he can work with.

Benitez will certainly have positions in mind that need some attention, given that Newcastle are still hovering around the relegation zone, and one important position is goalkeeper.

Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United during the The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Newcastle United and Luton Town at St James' Park on January 6, 2018 in Newcastle upon...

Benitez has switched between Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot over the last year, and with neither particularly proving that they can be the clear first-choice, another goalkeeper should be a priority.

Now, the Daily Mail report that Newcastle are now interested in Sparta Prague’s Martin Dubravka, after seeing target Kevin Trapp decide to stay with French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Dubravka, 28, only joined Sparta Prague from Slovan Liberec last summer, but has already impressed enough for Newcastle to take notice.

Germany's goalkeeper Kevin Trapp reacts during the international friendly football match Germany against France in Cologne on November 14, 2017.

Formerly of MSK Zilina and Esbjerg, Dubravka has nine caps for Slovakia and may be a budget alternative to Trapp, which would sum up the budget at Benitez’s disposal right now.

Dubravka is hardly a name to get Newcastle fans excited, but it’s clear that Benitez wants a new goalkeeper – and the Slovakian ace may now be emerging as a top target for Newcastle.

Martin Dubravka of Slovakia dives as Leigh Griffiths of Scotland hits the crossbar from a free kick during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group F Qualifier between Scotland and Slovakia at...Martin Dubravka of Slovakia dives as Leigh Griffiths of Scotland hits the crossbar