2025 is just a few weeks away and it’s believed Newcastle United plan to reignite their interest in a familiar name.
A right-winger appears to be a top priority and centre-back links continue after several attempts to sign Marc Guehi over the summer, but it’s a goalkeeper who is now being linked with a potential move.
Here’s the latest from North East reporter Craig Hope, who has revealed the Championship stopper that’s back on our radar.
As reported by Craig Hope at The Mail, Newcastle are preparing to reignite their interest in Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford in 2025.
Hope reveals that the England talent was ‘close’ to joining over the summer and is ‘still keen’ to seal a move to St James’ Park, although it’s thought a January move is ‘unlikely’ as the Clarets push for promotion.
It’s believe the framework of a deal was agreed during the summer, only for Burnley to ask for more money. This saw us walk away from a deal, with PSR issues leaving us unable to up our offer.
Hope states that Trafford fits the profile Newcastle are looking for, with the highly-rated 22-year-old considered a long-term replacement for Nick Pope.
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At just 22, the Burnley shot-stopper already has amassed a season of Premier League experience as well as joining up with the England international team, gaining invaluable experiences.
Newcastle will likely be hoping that Burnley fail to gain promotion back to the Premier League, making Trafford’s potential transfer a lot cheaper than what it could have been if he had enjoyed a return to the top flight.
Nick Pope has been a valuable servant for Newcastle in the last few seasons, but his poor distribution and injury issues has left a lot of supporters asking question around his long-term future as Eddie Howe’s No.1.
Trafford certainly has time on his side, but his performances in England’s first division have sometimes left a lot to be desired. Newcastle fans will need to see a lot more from him to be convinced he’s the goalkeeper of the future, although few goalkeepers are the finished product in their early 20s.