Newcastle United are hoping to finally sign James Trafford this summer, almost a year after they initially targeted him.
Trafford has long been linked with Newcastle United and is thought to have already agreed personal terms on a move to St James’ Park.
Newcastle had a £26million offer rejected for Trafford, and the Clarets appear to be holding out for a much bigger fee.
Trafford expects to start at Newcastle if the two clubs can agree a fee, such is the level of confidence he has in himself.
After coming off a fine season for Burnley in the Championship, that confidence looks well-placed.
Indeed, it seems those at Turf Moor also have a lot of belief in the 22-year-old.
Burnley think James Trafford will become England’s first-choice goalkeeper
According to The Chronicle, Burnley are holding out for £40million for a reason.
Should Newcastle pay that price, Trafford would instantly become the most expensive English goalkeeper in history.
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Still, there’s a reason why Burnley are holding out for such a big fee.
Those at Turf Moor reportedly believe that Trafford will soon establish himself as England’s No.1, and that his market value will soar accordingly.
The prospect of Newcastle signing what could be a fixture in the England team this summer is seriously exciting. Trafford still has so much of his career ahead of him, too.
What England manager Thomas Tuchel has said about James Trafford
While things can still change between now and then, Trafford very much looks to be the third-choice in the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup next summer.
Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson played ahead of him during the most recent international break but Thomas Tuchel appears to be a big fan of his.
Speaking during a press conference last month, Tuchel said of Trafford (via talkSPORT): “We have the very young James Trafford who played a fantastic, record-breaking campaign with Burnley and got clean sheets.
“Hopefully he can prove himself in the Premier League next season and then the race is on.”
Trafford thinks he’s a “world class” goalkeeper, and it seems as if others believe he has the potential to truly reach that level over the coming years.