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Martin Dubravka attracted interest from Leicester City after he was released from his loan with Manchester United by Newcastle after making just two appearances for the club.
- Martin Dubravka was dropped by Newcastle earlier in the month from his loan
- The Slovak international was hoping to challenge David De Gea to be the first choice
- Leicester have expressed interest in signing the Newcastle goalkeeper
Leicester have expressed interest in signing Martin Dubravka after Newcastle recalled him from their loan at Manchester United.
Dubravka, 33, was recalled by Newcastle after making just two appearances for Manchester United, joining on loan last summer.
The Slovakia international battled to challenge David De Gea for the first-choice spot, as he was reportedly hoping to do so having arrived last year.
Newcastle have withdrawn goalkeeper Martin Dubravka from his loan spell at Manchester United
His appearances were limited to the Carabao Cup, with his last coming against Burnley on 21 December.
Leicester, meanwhile, have faced trouble in their goalkeeping this season with goalkeeper Danny Ward at times appearing to struggle.
Kasper Schmeichel, the number one and longtime leader of the club, left for Nice last summer, allowing Ward to step up. Although his season has been characterized by a series of mistakes, especially at the beginning of the season.
Newcastle’s motivations for calling him up remain unclear, although he could be held on as back-up to established first choice Nick Pope or indeed re-lent or sold.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper has only starred twice with Erik ten Hag after arriving last summer.
Dubravka joined Newcastle in 2018 from Sparta Prague. He initially impressed with athleticism between the posts and a commanding presence in his box, though Pope’s arrival in the summer of 2022 seemingly spelled the end of his regular game, prompting him to move on loan last summer.
‘He is an exceptional goalkeeper. I’ll talk to Martin as time goes by,” Eddie Howe said of the player in November.
Asked if he felt he could perhaps be playing more for his temporary club in the same month, Howe replied: “It’s hard for me to comment, I don’t know what happens at any other football club.” All I will say is that I love Martin. He did brilliantly for us last year, he’s an exceptional goalkeeper. I’ll talk to him at the right time.
The door is still open, depending on what Martin wants. From there we will take care of it. he added he.