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Former Manchester United loanee Martin Dubravka is reportedly a summer target for Aston Villa and Brentford. Reports claim both clubs are laying the groundwork for the 34-year-old Newcastle United goalkeeper.
Finished before it started
The Urracas goalkeeper enjoyed a brief stint with the Red Devils. His loan spell ended abruptly in January when Newcastle recalled the goalkeeper.
Newcastle remembered Dubravka on New Year’s Day. The loan deal included the option of a permanent move for the Slovakian goalkeeper, who has only managed two appearances for United in the EFL Cup.
Newcastle United exercised their foresight and placed a clause in Dubravka-United’s loan deal to allow them to call him up in January (via Football Insider).
big money moves
Both Aston Villa and Brentford are on the verge of losing their keepers at the end of the season. Emiliano Martínez, 30, and David Raya, 27, have been linked with lucrative moves away from their respective clubs.
According to Football Insider, Atlético Madrid, Inter Milan and Juventus are among the elite clubs seeking Martinez’s signature. The goalkeeper’s value has undoubtedly increased since he won the World Cup.
Aston Villa are believed to be open to hearing offers, with Tottenham doing their due diligence on the player’s viability as a replacement for Hugo Lloris.
Previously, Football Insider confirmed that Chelsea have contacted Raya about a possible £40m move from Brentford. He has also been linked to United.
Shot-blocking has been Brentford’s trump card for most of the season as the Bees search for European qualification.
Dubravka under the magnifying glass
This season, Dubravka have managed just one Premier League appearance. His only league outing recently occurred on February 18 after first-team Nick Pope received a red card against Liverpool.
During his time at United, Dubravka played just twice alongside Erik ten Hag’s men in the League Cup.
Pope’s £10m arrival reportedly marked the beginning of a change in fortunes for the Slovak international, who in the summer of 2022 was the Magpies’ first-choice goalkeeper.
Dubravka’s contract only ends in June 2025. Still, one can imagine that the goalkeeper is looking forward to playing regularly again.
Since arriving at St. James Park in 2018, the 34-year-old has made 128 Premier League appearances, 38 of which were clean sheets.
