Newcastle United remain interested in Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
Burnley have gone viral after posting a picture of James Trafford beginning his pre-season preparations.
It is no secret that Newcastle United are targeting the Clarets goalkeeper. Both clubs have been locked in negotiations for weeks, with Burnley playing hardball over the transfer fee.
A deal was close last summer - with personal terms agreed - but PSR restrictions put the deal on hold. Newcastle unexpectedly signed Greek international Odysseas Vlachodimos as part of Elliot Anderson’s exit.
This put an end to any attempts to sign another goalkeeper and Trafford - who wanted the move - stayed put. A record-breaking campaign at Turf Moor saw the 22-year-old rack up 29 clean sheets as Burnley secured an instant Premier League return.
Newcastle United want James Trafford
Clarets chiefs now believe Trafford’s valuation has risen since a £20million fee was all but agreed a year ago. NewcastleWorld understands a £25million bid was rejected earlier this window but the Magpies remain keen - and confident - that a deal can be done.
Various sources have suggested Burnley want closer to the £40million mark for a goalie who could become England’s No.1. Newcastle would be hoping for a compromise as they search for their long-term successor to Nick Pope.
Burnley’s social media post
Burnley’s social media team knew exactly what they were doing by posting a picture of Trafford on his first day back at training. The image went viral - with Newcastle and Clarets fans debating in the comments over the transfer saga.
James Trafford on Newcastle United saga
Trafford discussed the Newcastle move breaking down last summer and how it affected him heading into the 2024-25 campaign. He told the Fozcast YouTube channel earlier this year: "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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