Newcastle United have twice come close to signing England international James Trafford.
For the third summer in a row, Newcastle United are linked with a move for goalkeeper James Trafford.
The 23-year-old agreed personal terms over a move to St James’ Park in June 2024 but the Magpies were forced to walk away from talks with Burnley after agreeing to sign Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest as part of the PSR-swindle that saw Elliot Anderson head in the opposite direction.
Trafford told those close to him last summer that he was indeed Tyneside-bound but after United agreed a £27million fee, Manchester City exercised their matching rights option and the Cumbrian-born shotstopper returned to the club that sold him to Burnley two years earlier.
James Trafford considering Manchester City exit
Trafford believed he was brought in as Man City’s number one following Ederson’s exit, however Gianluigi Donnarumma later arrived from Paris Saint-Germain, limiting Trafford to 14 appearances. Earlier this year, Trafford expressed his disappointment at his game time and hinted that he was open to leaving this summer.
Speaking in February, Trafford: “I didn’t expect the situation [with Donnarumma] to happen but it happened, so just get on with it. So it’s happened so I work very hard every day and see what happens, give it my best shot.
“It is what it is. It’s football, you’ve got to keep grafting every day and the games that come, play as hard as you can. This is just another experience to add to my career and it has been a good learning experience.
“Who knows, it’s football. Let’s take it a day at a time and try and work as hard as I can and whatever happens, happens. I’ve obviously got a contract, so don’t know what happens next season. I just know that I’ll just take it a day at a time and try and improve.”
James Trafford’s reported price tag
Newcastle continue to be linked with Trafford, despite sources previously playing down talk of a renewed move. A fresh report from the Daily Mail has suggested Trafford has a price tag between £35m to £40m.
The Magpies are set to target a new goalkeeper this summer and as reported by NewcastleWorld last month are among the clubs interested in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen.
Nick Pope turns 34 this month and has found himself out of the team for the last six matches following his error in the 3-2 home defeat to Everton. His replacement, Aaron Ramsdale, is on loan from Southampton, though United are unlikely, at this stage, to trigger his £20m buy option.
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