OPINION
Newcastle United fans should be worried by the latest news concerning number one goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
According to the Daily Mail, not only have contract talks with the 30-year-old stalled, but Paris Saint-Germain have also become interested in signing him up before the end of the summer transfer window.
It is understood that PSG’s Kevin Trapp is in talks over a move to Bundesliga side Frankfurt, who are no doubt ready to spend a lot of cash after completing big-money exits for Luka Jovic and Sebastien Haller.
And with Trapp potentially joining Frankfurt, where he spent last season on loan, the chances of Dubravka replacing him in Paris are looking high.
PSG’s interest in Dubravka is not really surprising.
His agent Pavel Zika was quoted by the Mirror in March as saying that the Newcastle goalkeeper is wanted by Juventus, as well as clubs in England and that he wants to agree a new contract.
Dubravka’s been in superb form since joining the Magpies in January 2018 on an initial loan deal that was made permanent after an impressive start to life in England.
He has kept 15 clean sheets in 50 appearances across all competitions for Newcastle and according to stats by WhoScored, the Slovakian ranked joint-third for saves inside the six-yard box in the Premier League last season.
Dubravka may not have made the most saves in total but his ability in one-on-one situations and at point-blank range are among the best in England, so PSG have every right to be considering him as a replacement for Trapp.
Newcastle need to press on with trying to agree a new deal with Dubravka sooner rather than later because while he would no doubt get less game-time at PSG, the French giants will be able to offer him better wages, guaranteed silverware and the chance to play in the Champions League.
The Magpies will struggle to come close with any of that, so it is imperative that terms are agreed before the Parisiens strike.
