Manchester United hold initial talks with Newcastle United over signing Martin Dubravka

Manchester United have opened negotiations with Newcastle United over the transfer of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, according to Sky Sport.

Dubravka has had to settle for a place as the second-choice goalkeeper at St James’ Park, with Eddie Howe preferring new signing Nick Pope as number one.

The 33-year-old had the chance to join United in January when Newcastle offered a player-plus-cash deal to the Red Devils for Dean Henderson.

He rejected the chance to move to Old Trafford as he did not want to play second fiddle to David de Gea.

However, he could yet get another chance to dawn the apparels of the Manchester club as United have returned for the services of the Slovakia international.

United are reportedly ready to take the goalie on loan to provide competition for De Gea following Dean Henderson’s season-long loan move to Nottingham Forest.

Several goalkeepers have been targeted as Erik ten Hag hopes to bring in a new goalie before the transfer deadline, including Kevin Trapp and Yann Sommer.

However, United have now set their sights on Dubravka but are yet to reach an agreement with Newcastle for the former Slovan Liberec man. 

Dubravka was left out of Newcastle’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Tranmere Rovers. It was reportedly due to an illness, but the ongoing transfer negotiations between the clubs could have also played a part. 

He joined Newcastle from Sparta Prague in January 2018 on an initial loan deal before securing a permanent move in July that same year for around €4 million.

Dubravka is yet to feature for the Magpies this season and could end his four-and-a-half-year stay at the Tyneside club with a move to the Theatre of Dreams.

United are also looking to bolster their attacking options and are now reportedly confident of completing a deal for Ajax winger Antony with Ten Hag keen on a reunion with the Brazilian.