Newcastle United want to sign a goalkeeper in the summer.
Toon boss Eddie Howe has been dealing with a big goalkeeper dilemma this season, with the 47-year-old seemingly struggling to choose who he wants as his first-choice shot-stopper.
Nick Pope recently returned from injury following a month on the sidelines with a knee problem. The 32-year-old has been anything but comfortable between the sticks, however, conceding seven goals in his last three games across the Premier League and FA Cup.
Pope was criticised by Newcastle fans for his performance in the 4-3 win against Nottingham Forest. The England international continued to struggle in Newcastle’s defeat to Liverpool in March, letting in Dominik Szoboszlai’s weak effort early on in the clash.
Martin Dubravka performed well after taking Pope’s spot in his absence, keeping eight clean sheets in 16 games. Dubravka nearly left Newcastle in January for Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab but Howe was able to convince the 36-year-old to stay with the promise of more game time.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell has his eyes on a goalkeeper who has performed exceptionally this season, but a new report suggests it may take some convincing to sign him.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
James Trafford open to Man United move amid Newcastle interest
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford has been in remarkable form this season, keeping 24 clean sheets in the Championship. The 22-year-old is now just one shutout away from equaling Dorus de Vries’ record for the most clean sheets in a single season in the Championship.
Newcastle wanted Trafford in 2024 but a move fell through while the Magpies continued to struggle with PSR. However, Newcastle want to sign Trafford in the summer in a deal which could cost around £30m.
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Recent reports suggested that Manchester United wanted Trafford and were prepared to ‘hijack’ Newcastle’s proposed move for him.
Now, according to TeamTalk, Trafford would be open to a move to Man United under the condition that he could become the number one goalkeeper over time.
The report states that Newcastle are ‘very serious’ suitors for the England international and are likely front-runners for his signature.
Red Devils goalkeeper Andre Onana is not looking to leave the club in the summer which could prove costly in their pursuit for Trafford.
James Trafford’s clean-sheet run comes to an end
What has caught many Newcastle fans’ eye is Trafford’s exceptional run without conceding a goal in the Championship.
The Cumbrian had amassed 12 consecutive clean sheets, helping former Newcastle star Scott Parker’s side to third in the table, just two points off Sheffield United in the automatic promotion spots.
However, Trafford’s run ended on Tuesday night, when Cardiff City’s Yousef Salech netted in the 42nd minute. Despite the setback, Burnley still won the game 2-1, keeping the pressure on Sheffield United and Leeds towards the end of the season.
Trafford would be welcomed by a familiar face if he joined Newcastle. The 22-year-old played alongside Anthony Gordon during their under-21 European Championship-winning campaign.