Man Utd bid for Newcastle star who was subject of previous failed swap, as top two targets prove too ‘complicated’ to sign

Man Utd have tabled a bid to sign Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka who they previously failed to snare in a January swap, per reports.

The Red Devils clearly like what they see in the Slovakia international. After the deadline had passed in the winter window, the Manchester Evening News reported Man Utd and Newcastle had discussed a potential goalkeeper swap involving Dean Henderson and Martin Dubravka – both on loan.

The move obviously did not come to pass and Magpies boss Eddie Howe later rubbished the story. However, eight months on it appears there may have been truth to it after all.

Sky Sports, the Athletic and Fabrizio Romano all report Manchester United have made a bid to sign the 33-year-old stopper Dubravka.

A loan move is on the agenda and Sky’s Dharmesh Sheth tweeted Dubravka is ‘open’ to the move – as he was also believed to be in January.

Second time lucky for Dubravka?

Dubravka was left out of Newcastle’s EFL Cup clash with Tranmere on Wednesday night. Howe explained the absence as mere illness.

Regardless, United want competition in their goalkeeping ranks with Tom Heaton the only senior back-up to David de Gea at present. What’s more, the early signs are already pointing towards Erik ten Hag beginning to phase De Gea out.

The Athletic confirmed an agreement with Dubravka isn’t yet in place. However, the arrival of Nick Pope in the north east may make Newcastle more receptive to a deal than they were last time out.

‘Main target’ no longer an option

United’s desire to land a new goalkeeper has not been a secret – even if it has taken a back seat to more headline-grabbing moves such as for Frenkie de Jong, Casemiro and Antony.

They had been linked with Bundesliga pair Yann Sommer and Kevin Trapp, as well as Watford’s Daniel Bachmann.

However, the Telegraph recently reported all three of those targets are unlikely to join Manchester United.

Romano echoed those sentiments, describing moves for Sommer and Trapp as ‘complicated’.

In fact, Trapp was deemed United’s ‘main option’ with Sommer not far behind. However, a hefty £21m price tag placed on Trapp by Frankfurt has put United off.