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This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

As quoted by The Shields Gazette, Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has revealed he is close to signing a new contract with the club.

What's the word?

The Slovakian joined the Magpies from Czech side Sparta Prague, and has been a reliable figure in between the sticks for the Magpies, keeping 16 clean sheets in 55 league appearances.

Speaking after the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday, Dubravka admitted he and the Magpies are in talks over a new deal.

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He said: "We're in talks. I'm close. We are in contact and hopefully we can sort it out as soon as possible. I'm happy here so if I can stay longer here, I will be happy. Since I came here, people have treated me really well. I can say that I feel at home here. I'm glad that people think that I can stay here for the longer term. It's such a big honour for me."

Safe pair of hands

Despite committing a major mistake in the clash at Anfield, the 30-year-old has generally been one of Newcastle's better performers since his arrival at the club.

Speaking to Sky Sports back in February, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer hailed the impact the Slovakian has had on the team. He said, via The Chronicle: "In general I think he’s been a fantastic buy, when you look at the fees that have been paid for some players. His handling, for the most part, has been superb. If he can get over the mistakes that have happened in the last few games then great but in the main I think he’s been a superb buy.

"He seems to be a very good character, not afraid to make a couple of mistakes - as all good players do. He’ll learn from those mistakes."

Goalkeepers are always going to make mistakes, and Dubravka is no different. But Shearer's comments on him being the type of character to learn from them proves why Newcastle are absolutely right to offer him a new deal.

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