Burnley and Newcastle United are locked in talks over the potential transfer of James Trafford, Sky Sports has said (Transfer Centre, 10/07/25, 10:40).
Burnley are heading for the Premier League but face the unfortunate task of fending off big interest in some of their key assets.
Promotion is usually enough to fend off interest in major assets, but the Clarets are in for an uphill battle. Josh Brownhill’s contract is expiring, as is that of CJ Egan-Riley, while Maxime Esteve is heavily sought after.
Burnley star Josh Brownhill
Image courtesy of: JASON CAIRNDUFF/REUTERS.
Another player subject of frequent transfer speculation has been goalkeeper James Trafford, with Newcastle United long-term admirers of the talented shot-stopper.
Now, amid persisting reports of their revived interest, Newcastle United are locked in talks with Burnley over a potential deal.
That is according to Sky Sports, who state the Magpies are eager for him to battle for the starting berth with Nick Pope; formerly of the Turf Moor outfit.
The Clarets will not let Trafford go easily though. A valuation of £30m has been set and with Newcastle eager to maintain their financial discipline and avoid putting themselves in a poor PSR position, they will not be forced into paying over the odds for anyone this summer.
A top goalkeeping prospect
Trafford has been a goalkeeper held in very high regard for some time. He first starred in the Manchester City academy before gaining senior experience in fruitful loans with Bolton Wanderers.
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His form with the Trotters ultimately warranted the move to Burnley, switching for a fee worth £19m including add-ons.
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford
Image courtesy of: LEE SMITH/REUTERS.
His first season in the Premier League was a tough one but Trafford offered a stern reminder of just how good he is over the 2024/25 campaign. The 22-year-old kept a stunning 29 clean sheets in 45 Championship games and conceded just 16 goals.
Of course, such a feat was a team effort, but Trafford regularly stood out with eye-catching saves and composure on the ball.
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Burnley must hold firm over star man valuations
Burnley are not a club that is hard up for cash. They don’t need to sell to fund summer recruitment and on the way up to the Premier League, they will hope their trajectory can persuade big assets to stay.
However, it will be argued that, for the likes of Trafford, Esteve and Egan-Riley, their progression is on a steeper rise than that of the Clarets.
As such, moves to teams higher up the division are possible. That does not mean they should roll over and accept exits by any means though.
Burnley must stand by their valuations, ensuring they fend off interest in key players or receive enough money to replace them sufficiently.
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