Newcastle United are leading the pack to sign Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford in the summer.
The 22-year-old is in the form of his life this season, keeping 24 clean sheets in the Championship. Thanks to his shut-outs, Burnley find themselves on the cusp of the automatic promotion spots under former Newcastle United star Scott Parker’s tutelage.
James Trafford nearly joined Newcastle in 2024 when reports claimed the shot-stopper was close to a move worth around £20m during the summer transfer window.
The move fell through as Newcastle continued to struggle in their fight against PSR but it could be a blessing in disguise as Trafford has been able to continue his development in the Championship while playing consistent first-team football.
Now, Toon sporting director Paul Mitchell is prepared to sign Trafford in the summer, with a move in the region of £30m being looked at.
With Newcastle clear favourites to sign him at the end of the season, Trafford has made it clear what he expects if he was to move to the North East.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
James Trafford’s game time demand amid Newcastle United interest
Trafford’s form this season means that it’s not only Newcastle looking to secure his signature. Reports have claimed that Manchester United are battling Newcastle for Trafford, with the Red Devils eager to find a quality goalkeeper to take Andre Onana’s place.
However, Newcastle’s longstanding interest means that they are more likely to land Trafford in the summer.
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According to GiveMeSport, Trafford would not be interested in moving elsewhere to be the second-choice goalkeeper and will need a guarantee of regular minutes.
Howe has been chopping and changing with his goalkeeper selection this season, sometimes opting for Nick Pope who has looked shaky at times. Martin Dubravka has impressed in his run-outs this season but at 36 years old, there is a good chance he will not stay at the club past his contract expiry at the end of next season.
Newcastle also have John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie on their books, but the pair are out of contract at the end of the season – there is no news on whether they will stay at the club past this season.
Newcastle United could sell goalkeepers before signing James Trafford
With several goalkeepers on the books, it’s evident that Newcastle must sell at least one should Trafford sign, even if they opt to release Gillespie and Ruddy.
The Magpies would still have four goalkeepers if they signed Trafford – the most likely shot-stopper Howe would look to sell would be Odysseas Vlachodimos who has played just 45 minutes for the Magpies since signing from Nottingham Forest last summer.
Vlachodimos could’ve left Newcastle in January with Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab looking to sign him after failing to land Dubravka. However, Vlachodimos wanted to stay at Newcastle and fight for his place in the starting XI.
Newcastle could also look to sell Pope whose place in the starting XI will be in jeopardy if Trafford joins. Pope’s poor performances this season mean that he is no longer the solidified first-choice goalkeeper under Howe.