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Martin Dubravka 'completes medical ahead of Manchester United move'

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 30 August 2022

Dubravka 'completes medical ahead of Man United move'

Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka reportedly completes his medical ahead of joining Manchester United on loan with an option to buy.

Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has reportedly completed his medical ahead of joining Manchester United on loan.

The 33-year-old has emerged as the Red Devils' leading candidate to replace Dean Henderson, who will spend the 2022-23 campaign on loan with Nottingham Forest.

United are understood to have reached an agreement with Newcastle to take Dubravka on an initial season-long loan deal with a £5m option to buy.

A recent report claims that the Slovakian stopper has also agreed personal terms with the 20-time Premier League champions and is keen to move to Old Trafford.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Dubravka arrived at United's Carrington training complex on Tuesday afternoon for his medical, which he competed later that evening.

Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka pictured on January 22, 2022 © Reuters

Romano adds that the goalkeeper is expected to put pen to paper on his United contract on Wednesday morning, with an official announcement to follow.

Dubravka has spent the last four years with Newcastle since joining the club from Sparta Prague in 2018, and has made a total of 130 appearances for the Magpies across all competitions.

However, the 29-cap Slovakia international has lost his place as the club's number one to summer signing Nick Pope, who has started between the sticks in all of Newcastle's opening four Premier League games.

Dubravka, who is believed to be seeking a fresh challenge, was not involved in the matchday squad for last weekend's 1-1 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has confirmed that talks have been held between the two clubs over a deal for Dubravka, although he has admitted that he would prefer to keep hold of the goalkeeper.

Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka pictured in February 2020 © Reuters

"Discussions have taken place between the clubs. I don't think anything is concluded as I sit here now. From my perspective, I'm sad if Martin does leave, sad to see him go," Howe said at a press conference ahead of Wednesday's fixture away at Liverpool.

"It's certainly not something we necessarily wanted as a football club, but we understand there are always two sides to every story."

Meanwhile, Man United have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Ajax to sign attacker Antony in a deal worth up to £85m.

The 22-year-old successfully passed his medical on Monday evening and a formal announcement of his arrival at Old Trafford is imminent.

Dubravka and Antony are set to become Erik ten Hag's fifth and sixth signings of the summer window, after the arrivals of Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro.