Newcastle United are hopeful of landing long-term goalkeeper target James Trafford this summer.
Manchester City are understood to have a 20 per cent sell-on clause in James Trafford’s contract at Burnley.
Newcastle United have identified the 22-year-old as their long-term goalkeeper target and remain in talks with the Clarets. Trafford is keen on the move as Toon chiefs almost signed him last summer.
Personal terms were agreed following Burnley’s relegation but the deal was scuppered due to PSR constraints. An unexpected agreement with Nottingham Forest as part of Elliot Anderson’s sale saw Odysseas Vlachodimos head to St James’ Park - adding another blow to Trafford’s hopes.
James Trafford valuation
Newcastle renewed their interest this summer aiming to renew the same deal. It is understood there was a “gentleman’s agreement” between Burnley that he would be allowed to leave.
However, a sensational campaign at Turf Moor resulted in Trafford racking up 29 clean sheets - a Championship record. His stock has risen dramatically under Scott Parker, hence the deliberation on the transfer fee.
The Telegraph reported in midweek that Newcastle has a £25million bid rejected - and Burnley could want as much as £40million. St James’ Park bosses are unwilling to be held to ransom and it is hoped a compromise can be reached given Trafford - currently in Ibiza on holiday as revealed on Friday - favours a move.
Manchester City sell-on clause
Another factor at play is Man City’s hefty 20 per cent sell-on clause. This was inserted into the deal when Trafford left for £15million.
At the time, the shot-stopper was struggling to break into Pep Guardiola’s ranks but enjoyed a fine under-21s Euros campaign with England - saving a last-minute penalty in the final. The clause is thought to be stumbling block as Burnley, for example, would lose £6million if a £30million deal were agreed.
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James Trafford honest on Newcastle United deal
Trafford recently opened up about being disappointed at the Toon move breaking down a year ago. 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’m 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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