Former fan favourite spotted with Newcastle United duo at St James' Park - set for free transfer
A former Newcastle United fan favourite was spotted back at St James’ Park on Saturday - and he’s available on a free transfer this summer.
Spirits were high at St James’ Park as Newcastle United ended a five-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over bogey side Brighton & Hove Albion.
The win effectively confirms Newcastle’s Premier League status with three games left to spare after the side’s downturn in form had some fearing the worst. It also keeps any slim chances of Europe alive as Eddie Howe’s team sit five points off the potential European places.
William Osula and Dan Burn put Newcastle 2-0 up by the midway point in the first half before Jack Hinshelwood pulled a goal back for Brighton in the second half. Both sides had chances to add more goals in the closing stages before Harvey Barnes wrapped up the points for the Magpies with his 15th goal of the season.
Newcastle United duo & Premier League goalkeeper spotted at St James’ Park
After the match, Newcastle goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who was an unused substitute in the match, was spotted in the corporate boxes alongside teammate Emil Krafth and a somewhat unexpected former Newcastle player.
Fresh from Burnley’s confirmed relegation and a 3-1 defeat at Leeds United on Friday night, goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was at St James’ Park enjoying his former side in action.
Dubravka made 179 appearances for Newcastle over a seven-and-a-half season spell on Tyneside before joining Burnley last summer in order to get regular first-team football.
The Slovakian shot-stopper ultimately got what he wanted as he has featured in all of Burnley’s Premier League matches this season but it has ultimately been an unsuccessful one for the club as they are guaranteed to finish in the bottom two.
The picture was shared on Instagram by Newcastle supporter Lewis Carr and has been a topic of conversation among supporters, given the uncertain futures of all three players.
Trio set for summer moves?
Dubravka is out of contract at Burnley in the summer and free to find a new club unless he wishes to compete in the Championship for a season.
And the 37-year-old retains a strong affinity with Newcastle, who will almost certainly be in the market for a goalkeeper this summer.
Third-choice goalkeeper John Ruddy is expected to retire when his contract expires in June while Ramsdale, who was stood next to Dubravka in the image shared on social media, could also be on the move.
Ramsdale joined Newcastle on a season-long loan deal from Southampton as Dubravka’s replacement in the squad. Despite starting the campaign as second choice to Nick Pope in goal, the 27-year-old has still featured 23 times this season.
Ramsdale’s loan includes a £20million option to buy that can be triggered this summer but it is understood that will not be exercised, allowing Ramsdale to return to Southampton. The Saints are set to face Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off semi-finals as they bid for an immediate return to the Premier League.
Krafth, also pictured, hasn’t featured for Newcastle since November due to a knee injury and won’t feature again this season. He is out of contract at the end of June, and it remains unclear as to whether he will agree a new deal after limited first-team action in recent seasons.