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Newcastle United have made lack of progress regarding the transfer of their priority goalkeeping target as the asking price is beyond their own valuation of the shot-stopper, according to the Daily Telegraph.
The Magpies are expected to make an addition to their goalkeeping department in the summer after identifying it as a priority area.
They are set to allow John Ruddy to leave at the end of his contract, while Martin Dubravka’s future also remains uncertain; he had big interest from Saudi Arabia in January.
Current number one Nick Pope missed a significant number of matches due to injury last season, and there is no guarantee of him staying fit throughout next term.
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford has emerged as Newcastle United’s priority target for the summer.
They have been hot on his heels for some time but no progress has yet been made in the direction of signing him.
The lack of progress is believed to be because of the gap in valuation between the two clubs involved.
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Burnley have set an asking price of £40m on the player, though, that is way beyond what the Magpies themselves value the player at.
It now remains to be seen whether a discount on the asking price can be found in the coming days to take Trafford to St James’ Park.
The Tyneside club have signalled that they will walk out of a deal if Burnley refuse to bring their asking price down.
The Magpies have other areas of the pitch to strengthen and cannot afford to spend too much money on a single player.
Brighton & Hove Albion attacker Joao Pedro is going to be one to watch out for as they look to provide Alexander Isak that much-needed support.
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INSIDE FUTBOL SAYS:
Despite having height on his side and having played a key role in helping Burnley earn promotion to the Premier League, James Tarfford is yet to prove himself at the top level.
Hence, a £40m price tag looks way too high for him. He also has a verbal agreement with the Clarets to be allowed to leave if a suitable offer comes in.
It could be Burley’s ploy to keep Trafford at the club at least for their first season back in the top-flight.