Newcastle star ‘rejected’ deadline day loan move to Man Utd

Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka turned down the chance to move to Man Utd on transfer deadline day, according to reports.

The Red Devils didn’t add to their squad in the January window after spending a lot in the summer to bring Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo to the club.

Instead, they focused on allowing a few players to leave on loan in search of more game time, with Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek the most high-profile of these.

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There were reports that Newcastle and Watford were interested in signing Dean Henderson from Man Utd before the transfer deadline but the Red Devils were keen to hang on to him as back-up for David de Gea.

However, the Manchester Evening News now report that Dubravka ‘rejected a deadline day loan move’ after Man Utd ‘were prepared to accept Dubravka in exchange’ for Henderson.

The only way Man Utd were going to allow Henderson to leave was if there was a guarantee they could bring in another good back-up goalkeeper but Dubravka ‘declined the opportunity’ as he didn’t want to play second fiddle to De Gea.

De Gea’s form has kept Henderson out of the team for most of the season with the 24-yeatr-old limited to three appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, former Premier League striker Noel Whelan accused Man Utd of holding Henderson and Jesse Lingard “to ransom” after denying them moves away from Old Trafford.

“Man United have been in an absolute mess during that window,” Whelan told Football Insider.

“They’ve held players to ransom – Jesse Lingard and Dean Henderson in particular. It’s been really unfair, and really unprofessional from the club.

“You expect a club of that stature to treat their players better and with a bit more respect.

“Lingard would have loved to go out and play football, but they’ve stuck to their guns and been a bit stubborn – even when the manager has said he’s happy to let him go.

“It’s cost them money as well in the process. They were simply holding Newcastle to ransom for a fee they were never going to get.”