Newcastle United plot move for two-time Carabao Cup winner as they react to bombshell exit ‘agreement’

Newcastle United are expected to be in the market for a goalkeeper during the January transfer window after Martin Dubravka’s bombshell ‘agreement’ to leave Newcastle United for Saudi Arabia.

Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano understands Dubravka has signed an agreement in principle with Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab and is now waiting for Newcastle’s final decision before completing a January move to the Middle East.

The 35-year-old, who has kept five clean sheets in the last seven matches after Nick Pope’s injury, has been the subject of rampant speculation linking him with a move away from St James’ Park for several months and is currently in the final months of his contract, meaning he is free to openly speak to other clubs outside of the Premier League.

Martin Dubravka comments on future

Earlier this month, Dubravka when quizzed about his future hinted that the end was near, he said: "Nobody has spoken to me about a contract extension yet, so I feel my phase is slowly coming to an end. I'm going to take it a bit more emotionally because seven years at one club is a long time.”

Dubravka joined Newcastle on an initial loan deal from Sparta Prague at the midpoint of the 2017/18 season and played a vital role in turning Rafael Benitez’s side fortunes around after jumping ahead of Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot in the pecking order.

He has racked up 171 appearances for Newcastle in total and after a shaky end to last season, has been much improved this time around when deputising for Nick Pope.

Dubravka continued: "Everybody knows me here, I know everybody here. My children were born here. If it has to end, I will accept it. What else is left for me. But it won't be an easy departure."

The Slovakian international recently helped Newcastle to a first victory at the Emirates in 15 years as the Magpies left North London with a 2-0 advantage at the end of the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

Dubravka was seen paying tribute to the travelling supporters on the night and was the last player to leave the pitch in what appeared to be an emotional farewell to the Newcastle fanbase.

Howe was quick to squash speculation after the match and himself admitted he would still like to see Dubravka extend his stay, he said: “I’ve nothing to add to that. We’ve been preparing for this game with Martin. He’s playing very well at the moment and of course I wouldn't like to lose him.”

Newcastle United plot move for Caoimhin Kelleher

With Nick Pope currently out injured and Martin Dubravka supposedly set to depart, Newcastle United are in need of a goalkeeper to keep their cup dream alive and boost their chances of Champions League qualification.

Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford has long been considered a potential option for Newcastle as he seeks a return to the top-flight following relegation with the Clarets.

However, TBR Football understands that another name of interest is two-time Carabao Cup winner and Republic of Ireland international Caoimhin Kelleher.

The 26-year-old, barring one uncharacteristic slip-up for Liverpool against the Magpies in the Premier League, has been hugely impressive for the Reds when called upon this season and has a record of six clean sheets from 13 appearances this season while also saving penalties against Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Southampton star Adam Armstrong this term.

Kelleher has proven himself as a top Premier League goalkeeper and has expressed a desire to become first choice at his next club, which is something he is unlikely to do at Anfield with Georgian wonderkid Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving to compete with Allison Becker next season.

The Irishmen is under contract at Anfield until 2026 and is believed to be available for a fee of around £20m, via Sporting News.

However, Kelleher, unlike Trafford, is cup-tied, which in the instance of his arrival means he would be unable to play in any of Newcastle’s upcoming matches in the competition.