Agent of Newcastle United star rules out January transfer - but suggests summer exit

The agent of Martin Dubravka admits the goalkeeper could leave Newcastle United this summer.

Dubravka has started the last 10 matches for the Magpies in Nick Pope's absence and is set to remain in between the sticks until the latter returns from a dislocated shoulder in April.

The Slovakian has been second choice behind Pope over the last 18 months, which prompted him to join Manchester United on a season-long loan deal last season. However, after making just two Carabao Cup appearances, Dubravka was recalled at the midway point.

Returning to St James' Park, Dubravka was called upon just four times between January and December last year before Pope's injury presented him with a rare opportunity.

The 35-year-old was accused of looking a little rusty at first but has silenced his critics in recent weeks with impressive displays against Liverpool, Sunderland and Manchester City.

His agent, David Zika, has been speaking about Dubravka's future. Zika ruled out a January exit amid previous suggestions Newcastle could move for former Man United goalkeeper David de Gea and Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale, but admitted a summer departure could be on the cards. “I dare say that he will finish this season in Newcastle,” Zika said, speaking to i News and Sport.SK. “I personally think, and we talked about it with Martin, that now he has excellent ‘timing’ for everything.

“He’s playing, he’s getting better and better in every game and then the European Championships will come and he’ll only have a year left on his contract.

“If he plays well in the Euros in Germany, he can get into an excellent position. I can imagine that Newcastle will offer him a contract extension for a year or two.

“In England, goalkeepers mature like wine and their loyalty is viewed very positively. However, we wouldn’t rule out that he will want to look somewhere else.”

Newcastle’s third choice Loris Karius and fourth choice Mark Gillespie are both out of contract in the summer, while Dubravka's contract is due to expire in 2025.

The Slovakia international has made 145 appearance for United since arriving from Sparta Prague, initially on loan in January 2018.