Newcastle officials are reportedly in talks to try and tie down goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to a contract extension at St James’ Park. The Slovakia international custodian has become a key man for the Magpies since former boss Rafael Benitez drafted him in from Slavia Prague on an initial loan deal in January 2018.
Dubravka made the switch permanent in the summer and has become the first-choice between the sticks.
Steve Bruce’s arrival as Benitez’s successor in the summer has not changed his status as the number one in the Magpies ranks.
And, while the 30-year-old is still under contract on Tyneside until summer 2022, the club appears keen to offer him fresh terms to reflect his importance to the team. Dubravka is not the only player that Newcastle are looking to offer a new deal to as Under-21 keeper Freddie Woodman is set for talks as his contract expires in summer 2021.
The 22-year-old is currently on loan with Championship side Swansea, but he has been earmarked as the club’s future number one. Meanwhile, the decision made by Isaac Hayden to stay put in the summer, having been linked with a move away from Newcastle, is likely to see him offered a new contract.
The 24-year-old appeared determined to leave the club in August for family reasons, but performed a U-turn and stayed on board. The former Arsenal man hailed the arrival of Bruce as manager and has been a big part of his plans so far this season.
However, he is currently serving a three-game suspension after being red-carded in the 5-0 defeat at Leicester on September 29. The Tynesiders return to action after the international break on Saturday when they make the daunting trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Frank Lampard’s Chelsea.
