Martin Dubravka’s Newcastle United future remains in doubt as one possible suitor, Scottish champions Celtic, focus their transfer attention elsewhere.
Brendan Rodgers’ side have been one of many contenders to win the race for the Slovakian’s signature as Eddie Howe embarks on a revamp of his goalkeeping department on Tyneside. Other suitors linked with Dubravka include Southampton, clubs in Saudi Arabia’s top flight and Bundesliga sides.
Celtic, however, have this week secured the signing of Aston Villa goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, landing the 22-year-old on a five-year deal. Now, attention appears to have turned to signing former Leicester City stopper Kasper Schmeichel.
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Rodgers worked with the 37-year-old at the King Power Stadium and a reunion is on the cards after he left Anderlecht this summer. Schmeichel is expected to undergo a medical in Italy before linking up with Celtic on their pre-season tour of the United States.
A double signing in between the sticks will likely leave no room for Dubravka’s arrival, paving the way for another side to swoop in and seal a deal for the former Manchester United loanee. The goalkeeper is currently on holiday after his Euro 2024 campaign with Slovakia and wants to speak with Eddie Howe before making a decision on his future.
“I have no idea [if I will stay at Newcastle]. I have seen they are talking with other goalkeepers,” Dubravka told the Daily Mail after exiting the competition. “I need to speak with the manager first. What is the plan for me? What is my future? I don’t know if they want me to stay or not. It is difficult for me, because I have been focussed on my job with the national team.”
Newcastle have already bolstered their goalkeeping ranks this summer with Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy arriving to offer support to Nick Pope. Mark Gillespie also penned a new contract earlier this summer.
Dubravka is subsequently expected to make way, with his agent admitting earlier this year that a new challenge may be sought after Euro 2024.
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