Newcastle United make late transfer push in January U-turn - but deal edges closer

Sources in Saudi Arabia have claimed tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg clash away to Arsenal could be the Slovakian’s last game for Newcastle. However, it is NewcastleWorld’s understanding that the Magpies have made a last-ditch attempt to keep him.

The 35-year-old has recently returned to the side in place of Nick Pope, who is recovering from a knee injury, and has enjoyed a 100% win record. In four of those six victories, Dubravka has kept a clean sheet.

Dubravka’s distribution has also been regularly praised by Eddie Howe. United’s head coach has gone on record to say he wants Dubravka to stay but the player wants assurances of rivalling Pope for the No.1 jersey.

The situation is also complicated by Dubravka’s contract, which expires at the end of the season. That naturally raises the potential of an extension, if the Slovak were to agree to stay put.

NewcastleWorld understands the Magpies, with Howe wanting the player to stay, have talked to the player’s representatives about remaining beyond this week, this month, even this season. Sources from the player’s homeland suggest Newcastle are ‘fighting’ for the player.

But reports this evening suggest that fight could well be in vain, with Saudi club Al-Shabab feeling like they’re close to getting a deal for the Slovak done.

After arriving from Sparta Prague, initially on loan in January 2018 before completing a permanent move in the following summer, Dubravka was the club’s undisputed No.1 for four-and-half-years before Pope joined from Burnley.

In the same summer Pope arrived, Dubravka pushed through a loan switch to Manchester United but returned midway through the 2022-23 campaign having made just two appearances.

Dubravka played the majority of last season when Pope was sidelined between December and May because of a dislocated shoulder. From the middle of last month onwards, Dubravka has been back between the sticks while Pope recovers from a knee problem. The England man is scheduled to return before the end of the month.

By moving to Saudi Arabia, Dubravka would be handed a longer-term contract on more lucrative terms, as well as be a guaranteed starter. His exit would reduce the number of senior goalkeepers at Newcastle to four - Pope, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie, although the club retains an interest in Burnley’s James Trafford.

Howe told NewcastleWorld last week: “The situation with Martin is, we would not want him to leave but of course you have to respect and understand the player’s wishes as well in this. It’s not as clear-cut as everyone would necessarily have you think.

“Martin is out-of-contract as well in the summer so that is a different dynamic to add into the mix. It’s all hypothetical.

“Martin is and has been fully committed, I think he’s been outstanding and a brilliant professional to work with. I’ve got a lot of respect for him and I think he’s done really well when you consider he didn’t play a lot of football when coming into the team. Fair to play him and how he’s handled that situation.”