Martin Dubravka transfer interest emerges as Eddie Howe plots Newcastle United shake up

Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is attracting interest from both across Europe and the Middle East as Eddie Howe plans to shake up his goalkeeping department on Tyneside.

It is understood clubs in the Bundesliga and Saudi Pro League are keeping tabs on the 35-year-old shot-stopper to potentially offer him a way out of St James' Park this summer. Dubravka is currently away with Slovakia ahead of Euro 2024 and won't make any decision over his club future until after the tournament.

Newcastle have drawn up a shortlist of goalkeeping targets for when the summer transfer window opens next week, with Burnley's James Trafford, Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale and Valencia's Giorgi Mamardashvili all admired. Loris Karius has recently been released by the north east outfit, while Mark Gillespie has penned a contract extension.

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Dubravka, who filled in for the absent Nick Pope in the second-half of last season, is expected to be offloaded to free up space for an incoming stopper. The former Manchester United loanee is entering the final year of his Newcastle contract.

Dubravka arrived in the Premier League in 2018 and instantly became a fan-favourite at St James' Park after playing a crucial role in keeping the Magpies in the top flight. His game time has dwindled since the 2021 takeover and his decision to jump ship for Old Trafford following Pope's arrival didn't win him too many admirers in the north east.

The Slovakian found himself back in Howe's plans when Pope suffered a dislocated shoulder in December 2023 but a recent run in the side doesn't look to have been enough to persuade club chiefs he is the man to rival Pope for the No 1 spot into the future.

Speaking in January, Dubravka's agent hinted this summer may be the perfect time for a new challenge. This, after Howe fought to keep him at the club last summer in the face of transfer uncertainty.

It was reported on Saturday that Newcastle have lodged a £16m bid for Burnley's 21-year-old prospect Trafford. A figure of that nature isn't expected to be enough to tempt the relegated side into selling.