Erik ten Hag delivers Manchester United transfer update amid Newcastle United approach

Erik ten Hag has revealed the latest on the Manchester United transfer front after opening talks with Newcastle United over Martin Dubravka.

Magpies head coach Eddie Howe confirmed on Friday morning that the Red Devils have held discussions about signing Dubravka.

The Slovakian is currently second choice goalkeeper at St James’ Park with summer signing Nick Pope starting all three Premier League games so far.

Dubravka was expected to make his first appearance of the campaign in the Carabao Cup against Tranmere on Wednesday, however, his absence was put down to illness.

That raised some suspicions in the Newcastle fanbase before it was reported later in the evening that Dubravka was interesting Man United on loan.

What Erik ten Hag said on Man United transfers

While ten Hag wasn’t asked about the 33-year-old specifically, the Dutchman spoke generally about his hopes of signing new players before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

He said: “We need players clearly but we need the right players. That is what we have said during the whole transfer window.

“We are happy with what we have done until now but the bar has to be high.”

Prior to Pope’s £10m from Burnley, Dubravka was Newcastle’s undisputed No.1 for three-and-a-half years after joining from Sparta Prague.

Howe has suggested he wants to keep Dubravka but a decision is out of his hands.

“I don’t think he’s in talks with Manchester United but there has been contact between the clubs,” Howe said. That is something that will continue to happen.

“In terms of a final outcome, I’m very reluctant to lose any important player from the group. That’s a decision that will be out of my hands.”