Newcastle United are understood to have begun negotiations for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
Newcastle United want Nick Pope to fight for his place even if James Trafford arrives from Burnley.
It is no secret that the Clarets goalkeeper is Newcastle’s long-term No.1 target between the sticks. Trafford came close to joining the Magpies last summer until a deal broke down once Odysseas Vlachodimos signed from Nottingham Forest.
The 22-year-old had agreed personal terms and was left disappointed by the move collapsing. He then went on to enjoy a record-breaking campaign at Burnley - earning Premier League promotion with 29 clean sheets.
Newcastle United make fresh James Trafford bid
Newcastle have renewed their interest but are so far yet to land a breakthrough. The Telegraph claim the Magpies have offered around £25million plus add-ons for a shot-stopper viewed as a future England No.1.
It is claimed there remains a “gentleman’s agreement” to allow Trafford to leave but both clubs are haggling over a fee. Given his impressive campaign, Burnley believe the goalie’s valuation has increased from the terms thrashed out last year.
Trafford - similarly to Pope - poses a daunting figure at 6ft 6in but is better equipped at playing out from the back. This has been a problem area for the Magpies in recent times and, with Eddie Howe, Newcastle have a manager who can nurture young English talent.
Nick Pope future at Newcastle United
NewcastleWorld understands any goalkeeper arriving does not signal the end for current first-choice Pope. Howe’s preference is to have the 33-year-old competing for a starting role despite suggestions he could move on.
Adding another keeper to their ranks would need someone to budge at St James’ Park. The Magpies already have five first-team goalkeeper on the books, with question marks over Vlachodimos and Martin Dubravka should Pope stay.
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James Trafford on Newcastle United move
Trafford was honest about being disappointed not to leave last summer while speaking to former Premier League goalie Ben Foster. He told the Fozcast YouTube channel: "In the summer I think people knew I wanted to move. The club that I was close to going to (Newcastle), it was a good fit for me. It was brilliant for me and I really believed in it.
“I wanted to move, not just because I didn’t want to play in the Championship, I had no shame playing in the Championship. I have no ego to think I’m better than the Championship. You only prove something by performing and showing people.
“It was just when an opportunity and a situation you think suits you can happen, you should take it and you should try and go for it, so I wanted to move. It was close but it didn’t end up happening. The manager was brilliant throughout pre-season. I wasn’t the best, I was moody because I’m young and I wanted to move, but in the moment I still worked extremely hard.
“I knew the longer it went on, the reality became I would be playing the first game of the season and I wanted to play. I told the manager I was available if he wanted to select me. If not, I’ll sit on the bench, but I’m available. He played me the first game and that was it.”
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