nustabet gaming Premier League: Newcastle Tie Dubravka To New Contract Despite Reported Trafford Transfer

Newcastle United have agreed a new contract with Martin Dubravka after he rejected a January move to the Saudi Pro League. (More Football News)

The deal, reported to extend his stay at St James' Park until the end of next season, was confirmed on Thursday despite strong reports of Newcastle planning a move for James Trafford.

Burnley and England goalkeeper Trafford was a Newcastle target prior to this season, but the move did not go ahead then, leaving Nick Pope and Dubravka to battle for the number one shirt on Tyneside.

Pope started the season in goal, having previously established himself as Eddie Howe's first choice, only for an injury in December to give Dubravka his chance.

Dubravka had also deputised for Pope following an injury in the previous December but struggled as Newcastle could only manage a seventh-placed finish.

This time, the veteran keeper has been more assured, keeping his place despite Pope's return to fitness – albeit a rocky run of form again has Newcastle seventh.

It did appear Dubravka, whose previous contract expired at the end of the current campaign, was set to leave Newcastle in January when a move to Al-Shabab was said to be close.

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Dubravka even waved goodbye to the Newcastle fans after a win at Arsenal, only to remain in the starting XI for the next match against Bromley five days later.

Talks between Dubravka, Howe and sporting director Paul Mitchell prompted the 36-year-old to turn down a lucrative transfer.

Howe said on Thursday: "It's no secret that [Dubravka] had options to move on in January, but he deserves huge credit for keeping his focus. We are delighted Martin is staying with us."

Ohh Martin Dúbravka @HecoDubravka has signed a new contract with the club! pic.twitter.com/VQwyLsqERa

Yet Dubravka's position as number one still appears in some doubt. As well as Pope returning to the fold, Trafford is again mooted to be a top target.

Shortly after Dubravka's new deal was announced, the Daily Mail reported Trafford's move to Newcastle was "expected to be completed" at the end of the season.

While Dubravka's performances have improved – his save rate of 70.7% ranking 10th among Premier League goalkeepers to play 10 or more matches – Trafford is enjoying a sensational campaign.

The 22-year-old has conceded only nine goals in 32 Championship matches for Burnley, leading the league for save rate (87.5%) and preventing 9.3 goals, according to expected goals on target data.

Trafford has kept an astonishing 23 clean sheetsnustabet gaming, including 11 in his last 11 games. He last conceded in a 2-1 win over Watford in mid-December.