Celtic are reportedly eyeing Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka as a potential signing this summer…
The 36 year-old who has 52 caps for Slovakia, was a player that was linked to the club last season during their search for a successor to Joe Hart, who departed after a three-year stint with the Scottish champions.
Dubravka has once again caught Celtic’s attention
According to The Chronicle, Dubravka has caught Celtic’s attention, even though the club recently extended first-choice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel’s contract for another season.
Therefore, it is surprising to see the Scottish champions being linked to an experienced goalkeeper when they already have sufficient cover and quality.
Kasper Schmeichel is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury
Schmeichel, sidelined with a shoulder injury, has featured 46 times across all competitions this season, while fellow summer recruit Viljami Sinisalo has made three appearances in the Great Dane’s absence.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that the Denmark icon will be sidelined for ‘five to six weeks’, allowing Sinisalo, who joined from Aston Villa last summer, the opportunity to showcase his attributes for the final part of the season.
Typically serving as Nick Pope’s backup when the England no.2 is fit, Dubravka was called upon by Eddie Howe following a knee injury to Pope during the winter period.
Dubravka has made 16 appearances for Newcastle this season
Having made 16 appearances for the Magpies this season, Dubravka was also on the bench when Newcastle defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup. Initially brought in on loan from Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic, he has since made 191 appearances for the club.
Dubravka had a brief loan stint at Manchester United in the Premier League two seasons ago, making just two appearances in the EFL Cup before being recalled by his parent club after only four months at Old Trafford.
The shot-stopper has represented Slovakia in both Euro 2021 and Euro 2024 playing in all seven of his country’s matches during those tournaments.
Conor Spence
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Another goalkeeper? What? Hardly a priority, I would have thought, when we don’t have a centre half who can deal with high balls, a midfield who can move the ball FORWARDS and wingers who can ‘get to the line’ and cross balls into the box!!!