Newcastle United are finally set to make a breakthrough in their pursuit of James Trafford, but it could have implications on one of their leading players.
Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Newcastle have had a £27million bid rejected for Trafford, with Burnley holding out for more.
Trafford has already agreed personal terms with Newcastle, who also tried to sign the goalkeeper last summer.
While there is still some work to do, the latest update is very promising indeed.
James Trafford celebrates during Burnley's Championship game against Sheffield United.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Newcastle United make James Trafford breakthrough as Nick Pope faces huge decision
According to The Northern Echo, Newcastle have made a breakthrough in their talks with the Clarets over a move for Trafford.
They claim that the clubs have held productive talks and that Trafford is now set to be Newcastle’s first signing of the summer.
An agreement on a fee is thought to be close, which would leave Nick Pope with a decision to make.
Eddie Howe has hailed Pope as a “giant”, but the report adds that Leeds United are “waiting in the wings” to sign him if and when Trafford does arrive at St James’ Park.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Nick Pope has already set James Trafford a challenge at Newcastle United
Pope wants to stay at Newcastle and challenge Trafford for a starting berth, but it remains to be seen just how feasible that is if Newcastle do sign the Clarets star.
They’ve tracked the Burnley stopper for a year now, so it seems unlikely they’d bring him in as a project player to develop away from the first-team.
Newcastle United statistics Nick Pope
Games 95
Goals conceded 93
Clean sheets 35
Clean sheet percentage 36.84%
Red cards 1
Trophies 1
Nick Pope’s record as Newcastle United goalkeeper
It’s admirable that Pope wants to stay. Still, as was shown when David Raya joined Arsenal and dislodged Aaron Ramsdale in the process, having two established No.1s battling for a first-team berth is not particularly viable.
In an ideal world, Pope would stay and Trafford would sign. Things, however, rarely work out that way.