Man United set to sign Martin Dubravka after loan deal with buy option agreed
Manchester United are set to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka after agreeing a loan deal with a £5m option to buy, according to reports.
Manchester United news, exclusives and analysis
United had already agreed personal terms with Dubravka and the player will complete his medical on Tuesday ahead of a move to Old Trafford, with the buy option not mandatory.
Erik ten Hag was keen to sign an experienced goalkeeper – one comfortable with the ball at this feet – to provide competition for David de Gea and submitted a bid to sign the Slovakia international last week.
De Gea remains firmly established as United’s No.1 but his suitability to Ten Hag’s style has been questioned with doubts surfacing as a consequence of his errors in the calamitous 4-0 defeat at Brentford earlier this month.
Dubravka had been battling it out for the No.1 position at St James’ Park and the summer arrival of Nick Pope has plunged him down Eddie Howe’s pecking order, with the 33-year-old finding himself on the bench for the Magpies’ first three games.
He was not included in the squad for Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win over Tranmere Rovers last week, with Howe opting to start Karl Darlow instead, and was again absent for their 1-1 draw with Wolves on Sunday.
Dubravka has played 130 times for Newcastle since he joined from Sparta Prague and was named the club’s Player of the Year for 2020.
Manchester United have three priorities after agreeing Antony transfer
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang responds to Man Utd approach after Chelsea offer
Jorges Mendes returns to Chelsea with Cristiano Ronaldo offer
He would likely replace veteran Tom Heaton as De Gea’s back-up at Old Trafford, after United decided to send Dean Henderson on loan to Nottingham Forest.
Unite