Latest Newcastle United transfer news with an update on James Trafford
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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Newcastle United are reportedly in talks with Burnley over a deal for James Trafford.
Eddie Howe's side wanted to sign the 22-year-old last summer and a deal was believed to be close. However, Trafford ended up staying at Burnley and helped them secure promotion back to the Premier League. In the process, Trafford kept a record 29 clean sheets in 45 Championship matches, conceding just 16 goals.
The Magpies have continued to track Trafford's progress and are keen to secure his signature this time around, as they attempt to strengthen their goalkeeping department. According to Fabrizio Romano, negotiations between Newcastle and Burnley are back underway, as both parties look to agree a deal for Trafford.
It's added that club to club talks are set to continue this week as the deal can happen from July. Newcastle are expected to accelerate their pursuit ahead of pre-season, with Howe's side returning next month.
While Newcastle are attempting to sign Trafford, it appears that Burnley have sourced a potential replacement. Sky Sport Germany reported on Sunday that the Clarets have reached an agreement with German second division side Karlsruher for goalkeeper Max Weiss, who is set to sign a four-year contract at Turf Moor.
Weiss is expected to undergo his medical later on Monday and join Burnley in a deal worth £4.3million. The Clarets believe the talented 21-year-old shot-stopper has the potential to become their long-term number one. He played 34 times in 2. Bundesliga last season, keeping eight clean sheets and conceding 55 goals.
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He might not arrive and become Burnley's No.1 straight away, but the fact the Clarets are signing a young, talented goalkeeper with a lot of potential shows they are all-but preparing for life without Trafford. That would therefore give Newcastle the green light to go and sign the England international this summer.
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford has been linked with a move to Newcastle United
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford has been linked with a move to Newcastle United
(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Nick Pope has been Newcastle's first-choice 'keeper for the last three years but errors have started to creep into his game, prompting rumours to increase about a new shot-stopper arriving at St James' Park.
Martin Dubravka has impressed when called upon, notably in the Carabao Cup, but he doesn't seem to be trusted as the No.1. John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos are among the other goalkeepers at the club.
Trafford would add an extra ounce of quality to the Newcastle squad, and someone that has the potential to become one of the best in English football. He has been touted to become Jordan Pickford's long-term replacement in the England national team, having excelled for the Under 21s over the last couple of years.
As well as trying to cement himself as a consistent Premier League goalkeeper this season - whether that is at Newcastle or Burnley - Trafford has ambitions of reaching the very top.
Speaking to the Fozcast podcast recently, he said: "That’s where I've always been aiming for, the top of the Prem. Everyone wants to go there, everyone wants to play there.
"To get there you have to play games, improve and get to a level where you do go back, to wherever I end up, whenever, to make sure I’m ready for it and I’m the best equipped to perform."
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