Geordie Boot Boys understands that there is a surprising new update on Newcastle United’s efforts to sign Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
The Magpies are looking to sign a new goalkeeper to challenge Nick Pope for the No.1 spot next season, and believe that James Trafford is the right person for the job.
Newcastle United have been in pursuit of James Trafford since 2024, when PSR concerns forced them to drop out of a deal. However, that could have been a blessing in disguise, as the England international enjoyed a brilliant season in the Championship with Burnley, keeping a record 29 clean sheets in the league.
It has been confirmed that Trafford has agreed personal terms with Newcastle, but there was still a discrepancy in value between the two clubs.
Newcastle are in a good position to spend this summer, with a healthy transfer budget thanks to their sensible approach to the last three transfer windows. There was the suggestion that Trafford to Newcastle was close to being done, but transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey has provided a new update to Geordie Boot Boys about the situation.
James Trafford and CJ Egan Riley pose with the Championship runners-up trophy.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Burnley reject £26m bid from Newcastle United for James Trafford
Unfortunately, it looks like Newcastle will have to wait a bit longer for improvements to the first team, as Burnley have rejected a second approach for Trafford.
Bailey has informed Geordie Boot Boys that a bid of £26m for Trafford has been knocked back by Burnley, with Scott Parker looking for significantly more than what is being offered.
Geordie Boot Boys understands that Burnley are looking for more than £30m for the 22-year-old this summer after his sensational season in the Championship.
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A big factor in the deal appears to be Manchester City’s sell-on clause they included for Burnley’s deal to sign Trafford in 2023, so the Clarets are eager to get as much money from the deal as possible.
The good news is that Trafford’s personal terms have been agreed, so it is just down to Newcastle and Burnley to come to an agreement for him.
Burnley already have their replacement for James Trafford signed
With Trafford to Newcastle still looking likely, Burnley have been hard at work in the transfer market to do whatever they can to keep themselves out of the relegation zone in the Premier League next season.
It was recently announced that Burnley have signed Max Weiss from Karlsruher SC. The 21-year-old signed for £4.2m earlier this week, a significantly lower fee than what Newcastle could pay for Trafford.
With Burnley signing another goalkeeper, all signs point towards Newcastle signing Trafford this summer, and it will be a case of when the deal is done, not if. A boost for the Magpies is that Trafford is good friends with academy star Joe White.
Eddie Howe will hope that the youngster has been in Trafford’s ear about a possible move to try and tempt him into signing this summer. Elsewhere, Pope has told Howe he wants to stay at Newcastle and is ready to battle with Trafford for a spot in the starting XI.