Manchester United are close to announcing Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka as their latest summer arrival.
The shot-stopper looks set to arrive on a season-long loan with a £5million option to buy. Erik ten Hag has been keen to recruit a back-up to David de Gea following Dean Henderson’s exit to Nottingham Forest.
Although the England international’s move is only a loan, his recent critical comments about his treatment at United may well indicate that a return is unlikely. It will cause Ten Hag to re-think his long-term goalkeeping options but for now, 33-year-old Dubravka will provide strong competition for De Gea.
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The Slovak may end up being used more than he would have been at Newcastle given United’s hectic European and domestic schedule. He will likely be used in the domestic cups and Europa League.
But Dubravka has already said he is not satisfied with just making up the numbers in a squad. Speaking to the Chronicle earlier month, he outlined he hopes to get ample minutes on the pitch this coming season, at the time discussing the arrival of Nick Pope at Newcastle — although his comments are also relevant to his battle with De Gea.
He explained: "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."
Dubravka racked up 130 appearances for Newcastle following his 2018 arrival from Sparta Prague, earning 37 clean sheets. He has experience in the Europa League having played 25 times in the competition.
He also featured in six Champions League group stage games in 2010 while at boyhood club MSK Zilina.
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