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Scott Parker wants to keep Newcastle United-linked goalkeeper James Trafford at Burnley beyond the January transfer window.
The Magpies had a £16million bid rejected by the Clarets in June. It’s understood Trafford had agreed personal terms over a move but United were unwilling to meet his £20m asking price.
Martin Dubravka of Newcastle in action during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Newcastle United and Brentford at St James' Park on December 18, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Martin Dubravka of Newcastle in action during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Newcastle United and Brentford at St James' Park on December 18, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Martin Dubravka of Newcastle in action during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Newcastle United and Brentford at St James' Park on December 18, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Trafford has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur in recent days but Parker believes the England prospect is best served to continue his development at Turf Moor.
“I’ve said it before, Traffs had a tough time last year but this is the best place for him to be,” said the former Newcastle captain. You’re seeing every bit of a young keeper in development who needs games and needs experience. He’s having a very, very good season and he’s learning as he goes along, which is a huge positive for him.”
Trafford has made 21 Championship appearances so far this season, conceding nine goals and keeping 12 clean sheets. He played a key role in the Clarets’ 2-1 victory over Watford on Saturday, a win that keeps Parker’s side within touching distance of the automatic promotion spots.
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“Top keepers, you normally judge them on big moments,” Parker added. “He didn’t have a lot to do against Watford, especially in the first-half, but you judge a keeper when he has to pull off saves in the big moments and Traffs, at this moment in time, when he’s called upon seems to be able to keep it out of the net. That’s a sign of a top keeper, which he is.
“At times he has stepped up, just as he did against Watford.”
Movement is expected in Newcastle’s goalkeeping department this summer with Dubravka, Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy out of contract. Trafford is viewed as a long-term replacement to Nick Pope, whose deal expires in 2026.
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