Newcastle have recalled Martin Dubravka from his season-long loan at Manchester United. Dubravka, 33, joined United on deadline day in September and played twice in their League Cup wins over Aston Villa and Burnley but was particularly unconvincing in the latter.
Tom Heaton has been named on the bench in United 's last two Premier League games against Nottingham Forest and Wolves. Dubravka was involved in United's warm-up at Molineux on New Year's Eve.
Third-placed Newcastle are only two points clear of United, who have a game in hand. United paid a £2million loan fee and had an obligation to buy Dubravka for £6m if he had started certain number of league games.
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United are yet to decide on whether to recruit a replacement. Heaton, 36, and Nathan Bishop will provide back-up for first-choice David de Gea.
Heaton rejoined United in July 2021 on the understanding he would be second choice to Dean Henderson but then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's indecision and the club's failure to offload De Gea resulted in Heaton spending almost the entirety of the season as third-choice.
The United academy graduate came on for his debut against Young Boys in United's final Champions League group stage game last season but is yet to make his full debut.
United host Bournemouth and Everton in the Premier League and FA Cup this week before a home tie against Charlton in the League Cup fourth round next week.
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