MARTIN DUBRAVKA will sign a permanent deal with Newcastle United this summer – provided the club retain their Premier League status in the final eight games of the season.

Dubravka, who is currently on international duty with Slovakia, signed a season-long when he left Sparta Prague to move to Tyneside in January, but the deal contains a clause enabling Newcastle officials to complete a permanent transfer at the end of the current campaign.

Rafael Benitez is keen to sign Dubravka permanently, with the 29-year-old having produced some impressive performances since moving to St James’ Park, most notably during his debut against Manchester United.

Benitez will make holding on to Dubravka one of his major summer priorities, but the goalkeeper will also have to agree to a full-time move in order for it to go through.

He has enjoyed his time on Tyneside, and is keen to make a permanent switch, but his future will be dependent on where Newcastle finish this season.

If the Magpies, finish in the bottom three, he could opt to listen to alternative offers from elsewhere. However, if, as looks increasingly likely, they survive, he will almost certainly agree to a long-term move to the North-East.

“Everything depends mainly on how the team finishes in the top-flight or whether we stay in it,” said Dubravka, in an interview with the Slovakian press. “In my opinion, it will also affect my future in the club.

“I will continue to focus on getting as many points as possible, and thus avoiding relegation. I think Newcastle will be in the Premier League, and then a permanent transfer will be possible. But as I said, I’m focusing exclusively on my performance at the moment.”

On the pitch, Dubravka has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water. He made a number of important saves to help ensure his debut resulted in a 1-0 win over Manchester United, and impressed once again as Newcastle’s most recent game ended in a 3-0 victory over Southampton.

Off the pitch, however, he admits there are a few things that still need sorting, most notably the acquisition of a house and a car.

“My girlfriend and I need to find some solid housing and get a car, so we don’t have to go everywhere in a taxi,” he said. “We like the city though, we’ve found a few places we love to visit.

“It’s a beautiful time, joining the Premier League was a huge step forward for me. Now, I’m doing everything to stay there so I can (help) the club with my approach and performance.

“For this chance, I’m very grateful, and I will see what the situation will be in the summer – whether I stay here, and whether after the loan there will be a transfer.”