Newcastle United have recalled Martin Dubravka from his loan spell at Manchester United.
The 33-year-old joined the Red Devils on season-long loan in August to provide competition for David de Gea but made just two appearances under Erik ten Hag. Dubravka made his United debut in the 4-2 win over Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup in November, before playing his final game for the club against Burnley last month.
United ended their club statement by sending a heartfelt message to Dubravka. It read: "We would like to thank Martin for his contribution during his time with our club, and wish him all the best for the future."
Erik ten Hag could now be on the lookout for a new 'keeper and may be forced to change his transfer plans in the January transfer window. Kevin Trapp was linked with a move to United in the summer to play a similar role to Dubravka but the German rejected the chance to join the Old Trafford club.
He said on Instagram back in September: "There has been a lot of talk about Manchester United's interest in recent days. It is true that there is a written offer. Manchester United is a global club and I hope everyone can understand that I am considering and thinking about an offer like this.
"Yesterday, however, I informed those responsible at both clubs that I had decided on Eintracht. I experienced unforgettable things here with Frankfurt and we made history together. The start of the season was bumpy, but I have absolute trust in us."
Meanwhile, as reported last month, United are reportedly considering allowing De Gea to leave Old Trafford when his existing deal expires in June. The 32-year-old's contract runs out at the end of the season, but Erik ten Hag's side have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.
Rumours of De Gea's exit coincides with United's interest in Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who is also out of contract in June. The Swiss stopper, 33, represented his country at the World Cup in Qatar and has played 634 club games across his 15-year senior career.
After Cristiano Ronaldo left United by mutual consent in November, De Gea is now the club's best-paid player on a reported £375,000-a-week. It seems unlikely the Red Devils will give the Premier League-winning goalkeeper another long-term contract on that wage.
When asked about De Gea before the start of the World Cup, Ten Hag said: "What we said about this issue with negotiating with the whole squad, we said, first, we will focus on this part of the season on the games. When we are coming to an end of this part, of this block, we go into a World Cup obviously and, of course, we have to think about it.
"In the background, of course, we have our strategies, how to deal with it. But it is quite clear now already and I have emphasised it several times."
