Transfer Centre

Aston Villa 'leading race for Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 14 July 2019

Aston Villa 'leading race for Martin Dubravka'

Newly-promoted Aston Villa are reportedly leading the race to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who has also been linked with Manchester United and Spurs.

Aston Villa have reportedly emerged as favourites to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka this summer.

The 30-year-old is understood to be considering his future at St James' Park following the exit of Rafael Benitez, who left the club when his contract expired at the end of June.

Villa are in the market for a new goalkeeper to provide competition for Jed Steer, who established himself as Dean Smith's first choice during the second half of last season and went on to play an integral role in their promotion to the Premier League.

The newly-promoted Villans have previously been linked with Jack Butland and Tom Heaton, but the Daily Mail reports that they have now switched their attention to Dubravka.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also thought to be monitoring the Slovakia international, although a switch to either of those two teams would see him act as back-up keeper whereas Villa could offer him regular first-team football.

Dubravka kept 11 clean sheets in the Premier League last season and had been in talks over an extension at Newcastle before Benitez's exit.