Newcastle United are reportedly in talks to sign Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
James Trafford has opened up about the tight-knit group at Burnley amid the ongoing Newcastle United links.
Toon chiefs were close to signing the 22-year-old last summer, with personal terms understood to have been agreed. Burnley were regrouping following Premier League relegation and Trafford had lost his spot as first-choice goalkeeper.
Newcastle saw promise in the former Manchester City man and were close to securing a deal. However, PSR restrictions - and Odysseas Vlachodimos’ unexpected arrival - are thought to have put a stop to the move.
Fast forward a year and Trafford’s stock has risen, with Burnley a top-flight club once again. A record-breaking 29 clean sheets resulted in the Clarets conceding just 16 goals all season.
James Trafford links re-emerge
Sky Sports claim Newcastle are in fresh talks over a summer swoop for Trafford. Burnley value the keeper at £30million and there is confidence a deal can be done.
NewcastleWorld understands Nick Pope will stay at St James’ Park and compete for the No.1 spot. What happens to Martin Dubravla and Vlachodimos - should Trafford arrive - remains unclear.
James Trafford on Burnley harmony
The youngster cited team spirit as a key reason behind Burnley’s instant Premier League return. He told the Fozcast YouTube channel: “If we weren’t as close as we were, we wouldn’t have got promoted. As a group we were unbelievably close. It was just like going into work every day with your best mates.
“Everyone got on, there was always loads of banter going on, in the changing room we’d play cricket every day. We played Traitors at one point. Everything was brilliant. It came from higher up, the manager, creating the environment, but a lot of it was recruitment because we obviously had a lot of change in the summer.
“Everyone was in a different situation but once the window closed everyone just got on and we all clicked. We were so tight from the first minute. You know where you’re in a team where you’d go to war for them, you’re always better off than the teams who don’t have that.”
Shay Given on goalkeeping situation
Toon legend Shay Given questioned whether goalkeeper should be a priority when speaking to NewcastleWorld in April. He said: “People say they're linked with other goalkeepers but I don't think it's a priority because Dubravka has signed and Nick Pope has a contract. They’ve got quite a few goalkeepers on the books and I think there’s other areas that are a priority.
“It'll be interesting to see what happens there but, again, I don't think it's (goalkeeping position) a priority. Eddie Howe might have different priorities, I don't know, but he (Trafford) is a brilliant keeper. There’s no getting away from that.”
Continue Reading