Two months on from Martin Dubrvaka’s bizarre loan move to Man United, Eddie Howe has revealed that he will hold talks with the goalkeeper over the World Cup break and that ‘the door is still open’ at Newcastle.
Dubravka was loved at the Toon where he made 127 league appearances and had been our player of the season in the 2019-20 campaign, but with the signing of Nick Pope this summer, the 6ft 3 man felt his time at Newcastle had come to an end.
Despite leaving Tyneside due to a lack of guaranteed playing time, the 33-year-old is yet to make a single appearance for the Red Devils with David de Gea remaining the first choice in all competitions.
Howe, who claimed he is ‘an outstanding goalkeeper’, now faces a tough decision as to whether to recall the Slovakian in January or possibly be forced sell the shot-stopper in the summer due to a purchase clause in his contract.
Another possibility should Dubravka not return is to extend the stay of former Liverpool keeper Loris Karius who was an emergency signing due to an injury to Karl Darlow.
On Dubravka, Howe said: “I think he is an outstanding goalkeeper. I really do and I will have a chat with Martin as time progresses.
“I won’t speak now as he is in the middle of a busy period as we are. There will be a time when I will sit down with him and have a chat and see what he wants to do next.
“It’s difficult for me to comment. I don’t know what goes on at any other football club.
“All I will say is I love Martin as a lad, he did brilliantly for us last year. And he is an outstanding goalkeeper and I will have a chat with him at the right time.
“Of course yeah the door is still open. A lot depends on what Martin wants. We will take it from there.”
