Newcastle United have long pursued Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford(Image: Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
With the Profit and Sustainability deadline in the rear view mirror for most clubs, newly-promoted Burnley and Sunderland still have another month to wheel and deal in the battle against potential PSR sanctions from the Premier League. This will no doubt be known within the corridors of St James' Park as Newcastle United go after one specific talent.
James Trafford, Burnley's record-breaking shot-stopper, is one of the Magpies' top targets this summer - just as he was this time last year - and confidence has grown in recent days regarding a deal being pulled off. Newcastle's PSR deadline has been and gone this week, meaning a new, rolling three-year accounting period is now under way for Eddie Howe's side.
Much has been made of Aston Villa's immediate need to either sell players or conveniently offload their women's team to a sister company, and the spotlight has therefore been taken off Burnley. However, the Clarets are in fact the only Premier League who absolutely must turn a profit this year to avoid PSR penalties.
Burnley have recorded a loss of £64.4m over the past two years and their 2024 relegation means Scott Parker’s side can only record a loss of £61m. However, the North West outfit are helpfully able to push any promotion-based bonuses paid out into next year’s accounts to aid their bookkeeping.
There is thought to be an understanding at Turf Moor that Trafford will depart, with a fee of around £30m mooted for his services, helping them stave off potential sanctions further down the line. Burnley valued the goalkeeper at £20m last summer before his memorable campaign in the second tier.
All signals in recent weeks have pointed towards Trafford arriving at St James' Park, with movement expected in the coming days. Personal terms have never been an issue, given an agreement was reached on that front in 2024.
Trafford's arrival will provide Newcastle with a timely early July boost after a frustrating start to the window in recent weeks. Howe's side have so far missed out on Bryan Mbeumo and Joao Pedro as the hunt continues for exciting attacking reinforcements.
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