Kasper Schmeichel has ended an 11-year spell at Leicester City to join French side Nice on a three-year deal. The 35-year-old leaves the King Power Stadium as a Foxes legend, having won the Premier League and FA Cup.
Welsh international Danny Ward - who has made just one league appearance in four years - and rookie Daniel Iversen remain their only first-team shot-stoppers. With Leicester on the hunt for a goalkeeper, this could hand Newcastle United a window of opportunity in their attempt to sign James Maddison.
A second bid for the 25-year-old was rejected on Tuesday, with the Magpies still short of Leicester’s £60million valuation. Toon chiefs hope a compromise can be reached before the window slams shut on September 1.
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Martin Dubravka could prove the key in United’s attempt to break the transfer deadlock. It is no secret the Slovak has no intention of settling for a place on the bench this season. The consensus on Tyneside is that £10million summer signing Nick Pope will start the campaign as first choice between the sticks.
His agent, David Zika, made bullish remarks to Sport.Sk following Pope's arrival in June. He said: "We had a call with Martin about this topic. Of course, we are aware that Nick (Pope) is a quality goalkeeper and domestic representative.
“We'll see how it all develops. Martin has long been among the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. Martin wants to play; either in Newcastle or somewhere else. He doesn't just want to cover someone's back, but he clearly wants to be in goal."
Dubravka has proven himself as one of the most underrated goalkeepers in the division since arriving from Sparta Prague four-and-a-half years ago. In 2019-20, he made the most saves (140) out of any keeper in the Premier League.
Newcastle would still have an adequate top-flight backup in Karl Darlow to call upon should the 33-year-old be used as bait to lure Maddison to St James’ Park. Reports have suggested Leicester are keen to explore the possibility of signing Dubravka to solve their goalkeeping crisis.
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