The Magpies are no strangers to the negotiation table when it comes to signing James Trafford
James Trafford of England and Burnley
James Trafford of England and Burnley
Newcastle United were told to up their bid for James Trafford 12 months ago when a £15million fee was tabled for the ex-Manchester City keeper.
That offer was rejected swiftly as Burnley told Newcastle they would not sell for the same price they paid in 2023. Back then, Turf Moor insiders believed that Trafford may have cost just north of £20m - a fee that looks like a bargain now and which has distorted views on the player's worth just 12 months on.
Significantly, City retain a 20 per cent sell-on clause on any profit as part of the deal that saw Trafford move across the North West. That will see Burnley try to push the fee as high as possible.
The Clarets insist that Trafford valuation has soared to around the £40m mark after 29 Championship clean sheets. Scott Parker's side have also factored in the amount it could cost to replace the England squad man.
Sky Sport Germany reported on Sunday that Burnley had 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. However, he is not necessarily seen as being ready to be No 1 in the Premier League just yet.
Conversely, Burnley believe that Trafford, who stands at 6ft 6in, will go on to become the No 1 for his country and eventually replace Sunderland lad Jordan Pickford.
With talks active for Trafford between Newcastle and Burnley, both clubs feel there is a deal to be done for the 22-year-old but the negotiations are delicate.
A £40m fee would see Burnley have to pass over £5m to City as per the terms of the clause. City also retain a buy back option but aren't interested in that at this stage.
Notably, Trafford is represented by the same agency as Nick Pope, so the deal is being dealt with sensitively as both goalies' best interests are looked after. Regardless of whether Trafford arrives on Tyneside or not, a goalkeeping departure is expected at Benton soon.
Howe said at the end of the season: "We have a high number of goalkeepers, which probably wasn't ideal. Those players have handled that situation very, very well. It's not easy. They have been really good professionals, all of them.
"They have created a really good team network and trained really well. They have helped whoever has been playing be at their best for match day. I am full of compliments for them. But let's wait and see."
Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.