Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle with Newcastle over the loan signing of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
United are keen to sign a goalkeeper to provide competition for David de Gea following Dean Henderson’s departure, on loan, to Nottingham Forest and initially targeted Eintracht Frankfurt’s Kevin Trapp.
However, the 32-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain player rejected the chance to move to Old Trafford and so manager Erik ten Hag instead turned his attention to Dubravka, who has found his starting place at Newcastle taken by Nick Pope. Karl Darlow was also selected ahead of him for the recent Carabao Cup victory over Tranmere.
Personal terms have been agreed with Dubravka and Manchester United expect to complete a deal, which will include an option to buy the 33-year-old Slovakia international for £5 million (€5.85 million), before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
Your complete guide to all the festive sporting action including TV details
Irish Times Sportswoman of the Year Awards: ‘The greatest collection of women in Irish sport in one place ever assembled’
Two-time Olympic champion Kellie Harrington named Irish Times/Sport Ireland Sportswoman of the Year 2024
Pub staff struggled to keep up with giddy Shamrock Rovers fans who enjoyed every moment of Chelsea trip
And Dubravka is increasingly likely to be joined by the Ajax striker Anthony. Manchester United are poised to sign the Brazilian for €100 million, making him the third most expensive player in the club’s history, after Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku.
The 22-year-old is due to fly to Manchester shortly with a medical having already been organised. Personal terms have been agreed with the player. – Guardian
