Newcastle United are one step closer to reaching the finals of the Carabao Cup after beating Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Magpies goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was in tears after the final whistle as appeared to have bid goodbye to the Newcastle fans.
The 35-year-old goalkeeper has been linked with a move away from St James’ Park in the January window, and he is close to joining Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab.
Fabrizio Romano has shared today that Dubravka has reached an agreement in principle with Al Shabab over contract terms. He is waiting for the green light from Newcastle before moving to the Middle East club.
The Slovakian goalkeeper has made just over 170 appearances in all competitions, and his potential departure is coming at the wrong time.
Nick Pope is currently injured, and Eddie Howe needed his experienced goalkeeper to stay for the rest of the season. At the same time, this is also the best time to offload the veteran and get rid of his £40k-per-week wages from the balance sheet.
Newcastle United must move for James Trafford
If Dubravka leaves, which looks certain, Newcastle must move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford in the January window.
Craig Hope of The Daily Mail wrote last month that the Magpies could make a renewed attempt to sign Trafford in 2025.
He was heavily linked with a move during the summer window, but the Magpies weren’t able to strike a deal with him. Hope claimed that the goalkeeper is still keen on a move to St James’ Park.
The Clarets are in the hunt for promotion back to the Premier League, so they may not be willing to sell the 22-year-old keeper in January. But Newcastle must try to lure him away with a tempting bid for the keeper.
Burnley asked for more money than Newcastle were willing to pay in the summer, but that may not be the case in January.
Newcastle have a great chance of finishing in the top four this season, and the club must take the risk and back Howe with funds in the winter market. Adding a top goalkeeper has now become a priority.
