By Betsefy
Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has reportedly agreed personal terms with Manchester United ahead of a possible move to Old Trafford.
The 33-year-old appears to have emerged as Man United’s number one goalkeeping target, with the club looking to sign a number two for the 2022-23 campaign.
David de Gea remains first choice at Old Trafford, but Tom Heaton is currently the only senior back up at the club, with Lee Grant retiring last summer, and Dean Henderson joining Nottingham Forest on loan.
Dubravka has recently been strongly linked with the 20-time English champions, and Magpies boss Eddie Howe recently confirmed that the club had been contacted by the Red Devils.
“There has been contact between the clubs and those discussions will continue,” Howe told reporters. “In terms of a final outcome, I’m reluctant to lose any important players from the group so that will be a decision that is out of my hands.”
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According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Dubravka has now come to an agreement with Man United over personal terms, and he is hopeful that Newcastle will let him depart.
Romano claims that the Red Devils want to sign the stopper on loan for the 2022-23 campaign with a £5m buy option included for next summer.
However, Newcastle are keen on a permanent exit this summer, with the two clubs still negotiating the details.
The Slovakia international moved to St James’ Park from Sparta Prague in 2018, initially on loan, and he has represented the team on 130 occasions in all competitions.
Dubravka was the club’s undisputed number one during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 campaigns, but he only featured on 14 occasions in all competitions in 2020-21.
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The Slovakian made 27 appearances at club level last term, including 26 in the Premier League, but he has not featured for Howe’s side this term due to the arrival of Nick Pope.
Man United allegedly view Dubravka as a number two, but he could be given the opportunity to move above De Gea to become the team’s first-choice stopper this term.
The 20-time English champions are working to improve their squad before the end of the transfer window, with the club still allegedly in talks with Ajax over Antony.
Erik ten Hag‘s side could also sign a new right-back if Aaron Wan-Bissaka is allowed to depart, while a centre-forward might arrive if Cristiano Ronaldo leaves before the end of the transfer window.
Man United lost their opening two matches of the 2022-23 Premier League campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford but have since won their last two against Liverpool and Southampton to sit seventh in the table.
