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The Newcastle United transfer target believes he’ll be playing in the Premier League next season.
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is confident he’ll be playing Premier League football next season amid strong interest from Newcastle United.
Trafford is a key part of the reason why Burnley are in the mix for automatic promotion from the Championship having conceded just 11 goals this campaign, as well as keeping 26 clean sheets in 37 matches.
The Clarets - managed by former Newcastle captain Scott Parker - sit third in the table, two points behind Leeds United and Sheffield United, who currently occupy the top two. With only eight games of the campaign remaining, the race is expected to go down to the wire.
But even if Parker’s side fall short, a move to England’s top-flight is on the cards for Trafford. Newcastle had a £16million bid rejected last summer, though are widely expected to reignite their interest having continued to scout the 22-year-old extensively.
Whether it’s with Burnley or another club, Trafford does not doubt what division he’ll be playing in next year.
“I believe I’ll be in the Premier League next season,” Trafford told BBC Radio Lancashire (via Burnley Express). “It’s where I want to play, it’s obviously the best league in the world. I wanted to get there as quickly as I could and it took two years on loan to develop.
“I’ve really enjoyed this season in the Championship, but next season I believe I’ll be playing in the Prem.”
James Trafford has already agreed personal terms with Newcastle United
Trafford was understood to have agreed personal terms over a move to St James’ Park last June, however a transfer didn’t materialise after Newcastle failed to meet Burnley’s £20m asking price. Almost 12 months on and Fabrizio Romano has claimed the “verbal pact is still valid”.
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With Nick Pope turning 33 in April and Martin Dubravka now 36, United are keen to sign a long-term replacement. Trafford has been identified as their number one target.
The former Manchester City youngster was part of the England under-21s team that won the European Championship two years ago and has since stepped into the senior squad. He was called up by Thomas Tuchel for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, and was named on the bench in both games ahead of Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale.
Trafford is still awaiting his first cap, but Parker believes his goalkeeper is England’s No.1 in the making.
“Yeah, I think so,” said Parker when asked about the player’s international prospects. “I think in terms of what you see in there, this is a boy with absolutely humongous potential.
“I still think there's so much more to come from him. I have seen a real development in his maturity and his understanding of the game, understanding when to play, when not to play and mixing up of his game.
“I don't think there's a better goalkeeper in and around this division in terms of keeping the ball out of his net as well.”
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