· 26 June 2025, 19:00
**Newcastle United appear to be closing in on the transfer of 22-year-old Burnley and England goalkeeper James Trafford.**
The Magpies have been chasing the Burnley keeper since last summer, when a move looked all but done before it collapsed due to PSR issues. However, Newcastle remained keen, as did Trafford himself.
Now, following a record-breaking season in which Trafford kept 29 clean sheets for Burnley, helping them return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, the two clubs seem to be miles apart on the valuation of Trafford.
Fabrizio Romano reported today that Newcastle and Trafford have agreed terms; it just remains for the clubs to reach an agreement, and he expects the deal to be done in the next few days.
> [](https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1938236666642083915)
Nick Pope is ready to stay and fight for his place if James Trafford arrives
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If James Trafford does come in, it begs the question: What happens to Nick Pope? The 33-year-old has been Newcastle's first-choice since he arrived from Burnley.
Leeds United have been looking at a move for Pope and would likely have felt that things were going their way when the news about Trafford broke, but Leeds Live have reported that Pope is staying put.
> "There have been persistent links with Nick Pope amid talk of the Magpies signing James Trafford from Burnley. However, Leeds have made no advancement towards Pope and it is understood that the England international wishes to stay at St James’ Park, regardless if a new goalkeeper comes in."
Who should be first choice between the sticks next season?
5 votes · 2 days left
Newcastle need to shift some goalkeepers on as well as bringing in Trafford
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Nick Pope has often said he wants to stay at St James' Park, and even with Trafford coming in, it seems he's happy to stay and fight to remain Eddie Howe's number one choice.
Unless he's been on an intensive kicking and footwork course, it's likely that Trafford will end up being first-choice next season; however, having the pair of them as options would possibly mean we have the best two goalkeeper options in the league behind Liverpool, who will have Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Newcastle will, of course, have to let a goalkeeper or two leave the club this summer as Trafford's arrival will take us up to six, and that really is very, very silly. Five was silly enough last season.