Newcastle United are in talks with Burnley to sign goalkeeper James Trafford this summer, and reports suggest the Clarets are now looking for an alternative.
It appears the Magpies are still short in their valuation of the shot-stopper, who kept a record 29 clean sheets in the Championship last season.
James Trafford is Eddie Howe’s top target between the sticks, with Newcastle United looking for a young goalkeeper to succeed Nick Pope in the future.
It looked like the 22-year-old was going to sign for the Magpies last summer, but PSR concerns forced the deal to break down. However, Newcastle are now getting closer to an agreement for Trafford, despite their latest bid of £26million being rejected.
With Newcastle advancing in their talks for Trafford, a new report has stated that Burnley are interested in signing a Premier League goalkeeper as his replacement.
Sam Johnstone saves a penalty during an FA Cup tie between Bournemouth and Wolves.
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Burnley eyeing move for Sam Johnstone as a replacement for James Trafford
Trafford was spotted in pre-season training with Burnley, but questions have arisen after he has not been spotted in their latest social media posts of Scott Parker’s squad travelling to Portugal for a warm weather camp.
His absence could mean Newcastle are closer than ever to a deal for Trafford, and he is staying in the UK in case a move is completed.
It also appears that Burnley are looking to sign his replacement, with Alan Nixon reporting the Clarets are interested in signing Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
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The England international is reportedly keen to leave Wolves this summer, so a deal with Burnley would be logical. First-team football will surely be a guarantee for Johnstone if he signs.
Trafford has already agreed to personal terms with Newcastle, so there should not be any lingering problems once a transfer fee is agreed.
Eddie Howe’s plan for James Trafford at Newcastle United
The Magpies are still short on their valuation with Burnley looking for at least £30m. Further instalments would bring the deal closer to £40m.
While talks carry on, Howe has already put a plan in place for Trafford when he arrives. The England international may not be Newcastle’s first-choice goalkeeper immediately. Instead, he wants Trafford and Pope to fight for the spot before the former takes it full-time.
Elsewhere, Newcastle handed John Ruddy a new deal, despite his failure to play a single competitive game last season.
Howe wants Ruddy to act as a mentor for Trafford at Newcastle, with his vast experience an added bonus for Trafford on Tyneside.
Elsewhere, the likes of Martin Dubravka and Odysseas Vlachodimos will likely leave Newcastle once Trafford’s move is announced.