Newcastle United 'fail with loan offer for Martin Dubravka'

Newcastle United's search for a new goalkeeper continues as they have reportedly fallen short with a loan approach for Sparta Prague ace Martin Dubravka.

Toon boss Rafael Benitez, who currently has Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow in his ranks, is said to have contacted Sparta over a short-term deal for the Slovakia international.

Elliot and Darlow have shared goalkeeping duties for Newcastle this term, starting 16 and seven Premier League games respectively.

Dubravka, capped nine times for Slovakia - including against England at Wembley last year - will remain at Generali Arena, however, as Sky Sports News reports that the Czechs rebuffed Newcastle's loan offer.

Former Slovan Liberec stopper Dubravka has featured 11 times for Sparta since arriving as a free agent in the summer transfer window.