Time is running out for Manchester United to complete their summer transfer business.
The window closes at 11pm on Thursday and the Reds are still keen to add to Erik ten Hag's squad before the bell. United have added four new faces to the Dutchman's squad so far this summer, landing Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro.
Ajax sensation Antony is poised to become the Reds' fifth addition, bringing their search for a winger to an end, but there could be at least one more new arrival before the bell is sounded. That is because United remain keen to strengthen their goalkeeping department and bring in some competition for David de Gea.
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United allowed Dean Henderson to join Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan deal earlier this summer, meaning De Gea's only senior competition comes from Tom Heaton. United, ideally, need to add another senior goalkeeper to their ranks, not only to provide competition, but to offer cover in case of injury.
Newcastle United shot-stopper Martin Dubravka is the player United want and he was left out of the Newcastle squad that drew 1-1 with Wolves on Sunday afternoon. He had been on the bench in each of their opening three Premier League outings this season.
With the No.1 shirt already occupied at Old Trafford, it will be interesting to see what shirt number the Newcastle goalkeeper will be given if he completes a move to United as expected. Although he is largely familiar with the No.1 shirt, Dubravka has also donned several other kit numbers during his career, including No.12, No.19, No.23 and No.30.
Like the No.1 shirt, those four numbers are currently occupied at United. However, goalkeeper Nathan Bishop, the current wearer of the No.30 shirt, could leave before the window closes.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News just over a week ago, United could still send both Bishop and fellow young shot-stopper Matej Kovar out on loan ahead of the deadline. Both would benefit from regular first-team football elsewhere.
Therefore, should Bishop leave on loan, Dubravka could swoop for the No.30 shirt. He wore it for the first nine seasons of his senior career, donning it at both MSK Zilina and Esbjerg fB.
It wasn't until he joined Sparta Prague in 2017 that he wore the No.1 shirt for the first time in his senior career at club-level. No other number that Dubravka has worn in the past is currently available or likely to become available before the window closes.
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