Man Utd: 'People close to deal' expect 383-game star to make Old Trafford move

Manchester United are expected to sign goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Slovakia international wasn’t involved in Newcastle’s draw at Wolves on Sunday and Jones reckons that people close to the deal are confident it’ll happen before Thursday’s 11pm deadline.

Erik ten Hag has been in the market for a goalkeeper ever since Dean Henderson’s loan move to Nottingham Forest was confirmed and the Dutchman might have finally got his man.

That’s because according to Football Insider, United have ‘agreed personal terms’ with Newcastle over the services Dubravka.

The report claims that the Red Devils are finally close to securing a backup for David de Gea, with 36-year-old Tom Heaton on the bench for their opening four Premier League games.

United have offered a loan-to-buy, which would see them sign Dubravka permanently at Old Trafford for £5m next summer.

And Jones reckons there’s a growing belief that the deal will eventually get completed and the 33-year-old will become Henderson’s replacement.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Dubravka is one that has moved forward a lot. People around the deal don’t see too much reason for this one to fall through.

“Newcastle were being a little stubborn, I don’t know if this was because they tried to get Dean Henderson at points and didn’t get their way, so this might be a little bit of revenge tactics.”

There are far more pressing areas for United to address before the window closes, but a backup goalkeeper still needs to be filled.

De Gea has hardly missed a game through injury since he arrived more than 10 years ago, but United might use the Europa League and the domestic cups as an opportunity to rest the Spaniard.

That’s where Dubravka, who’s racked up 383