The transfer truth behind Newcastle United links to ‘done deal’ Joan Garcia as James Trafford remains in the frame this summer.
Newcastle United are 'aware' of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García's current transfer situation, but reports a move is 'done' or even close are wide of the mark.
NewcastleWorld has learned the Magpies do have information on the Spaniard, with his £20million-plus release clause widely known about in transfer circles. However, despite increasing chatter on social media, mostly emanating from his homeland, it's not thought Newcastle are closing in on a deal for the player, also linked with a seemingly tricky move across the city to rivals Barcelona. Arsenal and Aston Villa are reported to be keeping tabs on the 24-year-old.
Wild claims this week have reported Eddie Howe will make Garcia - who played 45 minutes for Catalonia on Thursday night in their 2-0 friendly win over Costa Rica - his first signing of what is expected to be a busy summer on Tyneside. Repeated reports have stated the Garcia deal is 'done' and close, whipping Newcastle United fans, desperate for transfer news, up into a frenzy, particularly on social media.
But much like the repeated links to Georgian Giorgi Mamardashvili, now of Liverpool, last summer - again rumours which started and ended in Iberia - it's not expected that Garcia, as things stand, will end up at St James' Park.
James Trafford - Newcastle United deal
Instead, as has been reported elsewhere, Newcastle remain keen on Burnley keeper James Trafford. But there is an acceptance at United, that deal is nowhere near as easy to do this summer, as it was last.
Trafford was set sign for Newcastle in June last year, only for Newcastle to pull the plug on the deal. They did so when it became apparent Nottingham Forest would demand the signing of Odysseas Vlachodimos in return for the PSR satisfying swindle which saw Elliot Anderson move to the City Ground.
Trafford was and remains the ideal candidate for Newcastle, but while they had a free run at a player seen as the future England No.1 last summer, they don't this, with a steady queue of admirers forming after his promotion heroics at Turf Moor. That has also seen his stock rise, and coupled with the fact the Clarets are now a Premier League outfit, a deal that was set to cost Newcastle a little over £20million last summer, has increased considerably in 12 months.
Read More
Another player who is in favour among the Magpies' transfer committee is Aaron Ramsdale. His trajectory is in stark contrast to Trafford's, having suffered his third relegation, this time with Southampton. But the player is understood to have a large release clause in his Saints' deal, which is likely to put off any move for the player, at least while Trafford remains on the market.
Nick Pope future
The goalkeeping department at Newcastle is set to come under some scrutiny this summer, with it overstocked in terms of numbers and also in need of an injection of quality.
No matter who walks through the door, as things stand, Nick Pope is expected to remain on Tyneside. And, even with a high-profile goalkeeping arrival, it would be no surprise to see Pope remain the Magpies' No.1 when the 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off on the weekend of August 15, at least in the short-term.
The futures of Martin Dubravka, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie remain uncertain.
Continue Reading