Optimistic Newcastle United supporters believe Martin Dubravka could hold the key to signing James Maddison. Last summer, the Toon chiefs saw two bids - with the second understood to be around £45million - rejected for the England international.
Maddison has not allowed uncertainty about his future to distract him, with seven goals and four assists in 13 Premier League appearances. Just 18 months remain on his contract, meaning Leicester City could cash in now to receive optimal value.
One area the Foxes have struggled in this season is between the sticks. Long-serving goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel left the club in August, leaving Danny Ward as their first-choice option.
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Brendan Rodgers will likely be in the market for a shot-stopper this month - and Newcastle have an abundance at their disposal. Aside from Nick Pope, the undisputed number one, Eddie Howe has Loris Karius, Karl Darlow, Mark Gillespie and Dubravka to choose from.
The latter returned to Newcastle after a brief loan stint at Manchester United. Just two Carabao Cup appearances for the Red Devils means Dubravka has been starved of first-team football in recent months.
Moving to Leicester would ensure Premier League action as Pope is in undroppable form under Howe. On social media, supporters are hoping Dubravka’s return could provide the Newcastle hierarchy with a trump card in the transfer market.
@MagpieChannel_: The disrespect to Dubravka on here is mad. Was an unbelievable player for us, saved us many times! That being said, can use him as part of the Maddison deal
@ryanbeard2012: We have definitely brought Dubravka back to include him in a deal for Maddison/Tielemans... Leicester need a goalkeeper
@LiamJKLawson: Dubravka recalled to be part of the Maddison deal?
@Jack_Rogers97: £45m + Dubravka for Maddison
@AjHeppel: Leicester need a goalkeeper and we want either Maddison or Tielemans (apparently). Money plus Dubravka which caters for FFP limitations would seemingly make a ton of sense
@Owen__39: 40 mil plus Dubravka to get James Maddison absolutely genius
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