Newcastle United may not be able to use Martin Dubravka as a makeweight in their pursuit of Leicester City star James Maddison this month. The Foxes are said to hold an interest in the Slovakian as first choice stopper Kasper Schmeichel bids farewell to the King Power Stadium.
Schmeichel's 11-year stay at Leicester is nearing an end after French outfit Nice reached an agreement to sign the 35-year-old this week. Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers' side are fighting hard to ensure James Maddison doesn't leave amid interest from the Magpies.
Speculation suggests Newcastle could persuade the Foxes to soften their stance on the attacking midfield by offering Dubravka as part of any deal. However, Rodgers has already admitted he will give current Leicester goalkeepers, Danny Ward and Daniel Iversen, the chance to step up.
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“Danny Ward is an exceptional keeper,” Rodgers said on Monday. “I’ve always said we’ve got a number one keeper there. He’s had some issues around his knee but that looks to be behind him now, he’s been training well. He’s looked good. If Kasper is to go, he’s a big possibility for us.
“Daniel Iversen has been out on loan and shown he’s a very competent goalkeeper. At 25 years of age, he’s got experience, so he’s here. I think we would still need to bring in another one as a back-up. I’d be happy with that. I worked with Danny and I knew his talent from Liverpool. He’s been really unfortunate here in that Kasper has never been injured.
"He’s been a really loyal and supportive number two. It’s a ‘what-if’ scenario so if Kasper was to move on, we saw him (Ward) against Watford, how he comes for crosses, how he takes the ball. He can deal with the ball at his feet. He was an international keeper with Wales until he picked up a little knock so I’ve got every confidence in him to go in and do a great job."
Dubravka missed part of Newcastle's pre-season with a sprained wrist but was back in action for the 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao. Whether Eddie Howe opts to choose the former Sparta Prague star in between the sticks against Nottingham Forest is another question after the arrival of Nick Pope.
Speaking about his future during pre-season, Dubravka told Chronicle Live: "I have ambitions to play obviously - and I am not going to hide that one, it's the same for everyone. The goalkeeper position is special and unique, only one can be on the pitch. Let's see what life will bring."
"Nothing has really changed. Competition is good for everyone. I have said that many times, everywhere I have been before I have had to fight for my position. I did everything I could in pre-season in my eyes - it's now up to the manager. So we will see."
Newcastle have seen two offers for Maddison rebuffed in recent days as Leicester hold out for £60m this summer. The former Norwich City star is said to be open to a St. James' Park switch before the end of the month.
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