The back of the shirt of James Trafford of Burnley is shown during the Sky Bet Championship match between Burnley FC and Coventry City FC at Turf Moor on November 26, 2024 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)placeholder image
The back of the shirt of James Trafford of Burnley is shown during the Sky Bet Championship match between Burnley FC and Coventry City FC at Turf Moor on November 26, 2024 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is edging closer to becoming Newcastle United’s first major summer signing.
The 22-year-old was set to sign for Newcastle last summer but the deal was pulled when Nottingham Forest demanded Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos as part of the PSR swindle that saw Elliot Anderson move to the City Ground.
Trafford stayed at Turf Moor and played a starring role last season, keeping 29 clean sheets and conceding just 16 goals as the Clarets clinched automatic promotion back to the Premier League.
His price tag has increased from £20million to around £40m but the Magpies are close to reaching a compromise.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Newcastle United James Trafford deal is close
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano posted on X: “Newcastle are closing in on James Trafford deal, final details being sorted! Agreement almost done with Burnley and then it will be here we go. Newcastle are planning to get the deal done very soon.”
Romano revealed last week Trafford has already agreed personal terms.
He wrote: “James Trafford has fully agreed personal terms with Newcastle and talks between clubs keep advancing,” Romano wrote on X. “No agreement yet on fee with Burnley but expectation remains to get it done in the next days. #NUFC confident as reported.”
James Trafford opens up on failed 2024 Newcastle United
Cockermouth-born Trafford recently opened up on his disappointment at seeing the Newcastle move fail through last year.
“In the summer I think people knew I wanted to move,” Trafford told Fozcast. “The club that I was close to going, 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. You can say whatever you want but unless you perform.
“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.”
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