Newcastle United open to shock early reunion with Rafa Benitez signing

Eddie Howe is set to hold talks with Martin Dubravka over his Newcastle United future - with the Slovakian yet to play a single minute during his Manchester United loan spell.

The Magpies head coach sanctioned Dubravka’s loan move to Old Trafford in the summer after the 33-year-old expressed his desire to pursue the opportunity following Nick Pope’s summer arrival from Burnley.

Man United have an option to sign Dubravka permanently at the end of the campaign, which, at this stage, appears unlikely with the goalkeeper even overlooked for European and domestic cup matches.

Newcastle can recall Dubravka when the January transfer window opens and Howe has left the door open to a return. The decision, Howe says, is down to the player.

"I think he is an outstanding goalkeeper, I really do.” Howe said. “I will have a chat with Martin as time progresses. I won’t speak now as he is in the middle of a busy period as we are. There will be a time when I will sit down with him and have a chat and see what he wants to do next.

"It’s difficult for me to comment. I don’t know what goes on at any other football club. All I will say is I love Martin as a lad, he did brilliantly for us last year and he is an outstanding goalkeeper and I will have a chat with him at the right time. 

“Of course yeah, the door is still open. A lot depends on what Martin wants. We will take it from there."

Dubravka, who has made 130 Newcastle appearances since joining from Sparta Prague in January 2018, is under contract at St James’ Park until 2025.