Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided a fresh update on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
It is a transfer saga that has lasted over a year now, and one that is still yet to reach its conclusion.
Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford is coming off the back of a sensational season in the Championship with his 29 clean sheets, breaking the record for the most in the league.
Newcastle United are seriously interested in signing Trafford after failing to land him during the 2024 summer transfer window due to ongoing issues with PSR. A deal then looked to be in the region of £20m, but now Burnley are looking for over £30m for Trafford after his form last season.
Reports suggested that Newcastle could walk away from a deal for Trafford this summer if Burnley did not lower their asking price, but Fabrizio Romano has just provided a positive new update on the deal, which suggests that they are willing to.
James Trafford celebrates during Burnley's Championship game against Sheffield United.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Newcastle United and Burnley are locked in negotiations for James Trafford
Trafford’s arrival initially spelt bad news for Nick Pope, who has had reported interest from Leeds United this summer, but it was revealed that Eddie Howe wants Pope and Trafford to fight for Newcastle’s number one spot in his starting XI next season.
Last week, it looked like there was a stalemate between the two clubs, but Romano has now confirmed that Newcastle and Burnley are still in negotiations over a deal for Trafford.
The 22-year-old is reportedly eager to make the move to Tyneside, with the hope that he will become Newcastle’s first-choice goalkeeper next season.
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🚨⚪️⚫️ Negotiations between Newcastle and Burnley for James Trafford are underway.
Club to club talks continue as the deal can happen from July, so expected to accelerate from next week. pic.twitter.com/v6W267mq78
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 23, 2025
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Romano added that a deal between the two clubs can happen “from July” despite the transfer window already being open.
The reason why a July date has been set for the deal could be due to it being after the PSR deadline, so Newcastle will benefit from a £73m boost to their finances, with their heavy losses from three years ago dropping off the cycle.
Eddie Howe wants James Trafford to learn from Newcastle United ace
It is a surprise that Newcastle are signing another goalkeeper this summer, given how many they already have on their books. Should he sign, Newcastle will have six goalkeepers in their squad, so some of them may have to leave.
Odysseas Vlachodimos is set to leave Newcastle on loan this summer, while the future of Martin Dubravka has been put into question. Elsewhere, John Ruddy is out of contract this summer, but has been offered a new deal on Tyneside.
2024/25 League Statistics James Trafford
Appearances 45
Clean Sheets 29
Saves 85
Having signed from Birmingham City, Ruddy is yet to make a single professional appearance for the Magpies, but Howe is a big fan of his attitude and the example he sets in training.
If he signs, Howe wants Ruddy to take Trafford under his wing and mentor him for his first season at the club. Howe referred to Ruddy as “vital” at Newcastle, despite his lack of minutes in the first team.