Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth says that Manchester United's option to buy Martin Dubravka becomes an obligation based on appearances.

The Lowdown: Expected to leave

As per ESPN, the Slovakian goalkeeper is expected to leave Old Trafford when his season-long loan from Newcastle United expires in the summer.

The news outlet suggests that Erik ten Hag is looking to draft in fresh goalkeeping options and is working on a deal to sign Borussia Monchengladbach shot-stopper Yann Sommer.

Dubravka reportedly signed on loan from the Magpies for £2m, with the option to make it permanent for a further £6m.

The Latest: Obligation based on appearances

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Sheth has shared that United's option to purchase Dubravka becomes an obligation based on the number of appearances that he makes, and if he does not fulfil that number, then he will be allowed to go back to St James' Park.

The journalist said: “United have got Dubravka on loan and they have got an option to buy Dubravka in the summer.

“My understanding is that option becomes an obligation depending on the number of appearances that he makes.

“If he doesn’t trigger those number of appearances, he’ll go back to Newcastle United and then Manchester United will be in the market for another goalkeeper.”

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The Verdict: Unlikely to stay

Having only made Premier League, it seems very unlikely that Dubravka will end up staying at Old Trafford permanently.

If he does go back to Tyneside, the Red Devils will need to bring in another goalkeeper to understudy David de Gea and eventually compete with the Spaniard for the number one spot.

Nonetheless, Dubravka has not been given much of a chance to impress at United, so Ten Hag should consider playing him more often in order to fully see if he is worth signing permanently.