Long-serving Newcastle United star in talks over St James' Park exit
One of Newcastle United’s longest-serving players is in talks over leaving.
Burnley are in talks over a permanent deal to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Dubravka has spent the last two-and-a-half seasons as back-up to Nick Pope but has now fallen one place down the pecking order following Aaron Ramsdale’s arrival on a season-long loan from Southampton.
As reported by NewcastleWorld last month, the Slovakian is allowed to leave this summer alongside Greece international Odysseas Vlachodimos. Dubravka is likely to be off first.
Burnley in talks over Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka
Burnley are seeking a replacement for James Trafford, who the Magpies long attempted to sign before the Cumbrian re-joined Manchester City for £27million.
Newcastle were close to agreeing fee for Trafford pre-Club World Cup when Man City did not show interest. However, once the Citizens came to the table, it was essentially game over for United.
Eddie Howe’s side went on to agree a fee for Trafford and there was a whisper that Dubravka would be part of the arrangement, but the deal was called off when Man City exercised a clause to match Newcastle’s offer.
The Clarets have continued to hold talks over a separate transfer for Dubravka, with our sister title the Burnley Express reporting that a deal is progressing.
After missing the trip to Singapore, Dubravka was expected to link up with his Newcastle teammates in the South Korean capital of Seoul, however he did not appear in the matchday squad in either matches against Team K-League and Tottenham Hotspur.
The 36-year-old is the second-longest serving player in Newcastle’s squad, having first joined from Sparta Prague in January 2018. He has made 179 appearances in all competitions.
Newcastle United sign Aaron Ramsdale
Ramsdale’s arrival from Southampton, which includes an option to buy next summer, was officially announced on Saturday, the day before the Magpies’ 2-2 draw against Spurs at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.
The 27-year-old is due to train with his new Newcastle teammates for the first time on Wednesday with a view to making his debut in either of the St James’ Park matches against Espanyol or Atletico Madrid this weekend.
On joining, Ramsdale said: "It's great to be here. I've always loved coming here and I've seen how passionate and loud the fans can be. I've always loved playing here at St. James' Park - I've not always had the greatest of results, but when the fans get behind you it's some place.
"Coming to the stadium and seeing it empty today, it's quite surreal to think that this is going to be home for the foreseeable future. I've got the kit on, it’s got the nice Champions League badge on the sleeve and I'm delighted to be here.
"Working with the manager and his coaching staff again were a big draw for me. They've already had a great influence on my career and the gaffer turned me from a man into a professional footballer at Bournemouth. He really showed me the ropes so the manager and his coaching staff were a huge selling point for me to come here."
Howe added: "Aaron is an exceptional goalkeeper who adds further quality and international experience to our squad. Having worked with him before, I know what he can bring to us on and off the pitch, so we look forward to welcoming him into the group.”