Newcastle United are starting to make bids for their transfer targets, but are yet to propose an acceptable deal.
The week started with Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga bid being rejected. The Magpies were looking to pay £45million, but Geordie Boot Boys understand that Nottingham Forest want more than £60million for Elanga.
Elanga is not the only player who Toon officials are stepping up their interest in. Newcastle made offers for Joao Pedro and James Trafford, but they have suffered the same fate as the Elanga approach.
James Trafford playing in the Championship for Burnley against Watford.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Newcastle United’s opening bid is rejected
That is according to the Times, who report that a £50million bid for Pedro and a £25million for Trafford has been rejected by Brighton and Burnley respectively.
Regarding Trafford, the Times add that Newcastle are going to make an improved offer for the 22-year-old.
Out of the three deals that the Magpies are pursuing, Trafford is the most likely to arrive at this stage. Newcastle have agreed personal terms with Trafford, with the goalkeeper eager to move to St James’ Park and join Eddie Howe’s side.
The big stumbling block is the price tag. Burnley want around £40million for Trafford, with the Magpies aiming to find a compromise. £25million is not enough, with Newcastle needing to push towards the £30million mark.
Newcastle United are investing in James Trafford’s potential
While Newcastle will not want to overpay, there will be a feeling that it will be money well spent if they do get the Trafford deal over the line.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
The Burnley goalkeeper has a huge amount of potential, as Howe aims to sign a player who could be the Newcastle United number one for the next 10 years.
He could also be an England number one, with Trafford the most likely to stopper to replace Jordan Pickford at international level when the time comes.
As they did with Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, Newcastle would be investing in Trafford’s potential. Those deals have proven to be smart business, and the hope will be that the same applies to Trafford.
Scott Parker called Newcastle United target James Trafford ‘world class’
But Trafford is more than just potential. He is already an exceptional goalkeeper with the scope to get even better.
He proved that in the Championship with Burnley last season, as they won promotion to the Premier League. Scott Parker’s achievement was based on a solid defence, with Trafford keeping 29 clean sheets and conceding just 16 goals. That is a staggering accomplishment.
Parker was delighted with Trafford’s performances, admitting in April that he is a ‘world class’ goalkeeper.
“There’s no denying at the beginning of the season, the work we all had to do with Traff and where he was, there was a lot of work,” he said.
“He needed to engage in that. He needed to take a breath and take stock and decide where he wanted to be, and to be fair to him, I’ve seen someone mature. There’s no denying that he’s a world class keeper.
“How you judge keepers is in big moments.”
Trafford agreed with Parker’s assessment, proving that he is not shy of confidence! That confidence should serve him well on Tyneside, but only if Newcastle United submit an acceptable offer.