Manchester United have reportedly made an approach to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, having previously been linked with the Slovakia international back in January.
What's the word?
That's according to The Athletic's David Ornstein, with the respected journalist writing on Twitter about that interest:
"Manchester United have made an offer to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Proposal is to take 33yo Slovakia int’l on loan as competition for De Gea. No agreement, talks ongoing"
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has since revealed that the temporary deal could also include a potential buy option of around £5m, with United turning their attention toward the 33-year-old following reported target Kevin Trapp's decision to stay at Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Red Devils were reportedly keen on bringing in Dubravka back in January as part of a deal that would have seen Dean Henderson head in the other direction, although the Magpies man is said to have rejected the proposal.
Ten Hag needs him
That should not be an issue this time around, however, with Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth revealing that the former Sparta Prague man wants to make the move to Old Trafford, after four and a half years on Tyneside.
A new goalkeeping addition has been something of a priority for new boss Erik ten Hag this summer, with the club having allowed the aforementioned Henderson to join Nottingham Forest on loan, with the 25-year-old stating his ambition to depart after 'wasting' a season on the sidelines back at his parent club.
The absence of the Englishman has left the former Ajax head coach with veteran ace Tom Heaton as the only senior option in reserve to that of first-choice stopper David De Gea, with the youthful pair of Matej Kovar and Nathan Bishop likely to head out on loan.
In Dubravka, the 52-year-old would be able to secure the arrival of a player who can certainly push the Spaniard close, with De Gea having distinctly underwhelmed in the early weeks of the season - notably fronting up to his costly errors in the 4-0 defeat to Brentford.
The Newcastle ace provides a wealth of Premier League experience having racked up 127 appearances in the top-flight thus far - including 26 last term - keeping 37 clean sheets for the northeast side in that time.
The 29-cap gem, who earns around £38k-per-week, has fallen down the pecking order under Eddie Howe following the arrival of Nick Pope earlier this summer, although had previously proven himself an "inspirational signing" for the St James' Park outfit, in the words of Paul Robinson.
The hope will be that he can have a similar impact at the Theatre of Dreams, with Ten Hag in need of a figure who can offer genuine competition to De Gea, as well as the quality cover needed to feature in both domestic and continental cup competitions.