Newcastle are absolutely right to chase Carl Rushworth as an alternative to James Trafford, with the Magpies now holding talks over both men to potentially see which is the most viable deal for Eddie Howe's side.
Howe has spent long enough trying to solve the club's goalkeeping problem, and these are two of England's most promising options.
Coventry City's Carl Rushworth celebrates with the trophy after winning the Championship
Trafford's pedigree is already well known, while Rushworth arrives after an outstanding Championship campaign that produced 17 clean sheets in 46 league games and a place in the division's Team of the Year.
The 25-year-old enjoyed a truly superb loan spell with Coventry last season, helping Frank Lampard's side secure promotion while establishing himself as one of the Championship's standout performers.
His calm distribution, command of the penalty area and consistency earned widespread praise, with Brighton rejecting multiple permanent offers as they considered his own future at the Amex.
Trafford, meanwhile, has remained Newcastle's dream target for much longer.
England goalkeeper James Trafford
The England international has been on the club's radar across several transfer windows and remains highly regarded despite limited opportunities since returning to City.
The Man City keeper found himself second fiddle behind Gianluigi Donnarumma, but his spell at Burnley showed plenty of promise, so much so that Thomas Tuchel brought him to the World Cup as an understudy.
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Both fit Newcastle's long-term vision of signing players entering their prime rather than those approaching the end of it.
The Magpies' search for a new number one now appears to be intensifying.
Newcastle in talks over signing Carl Rushworth alongside James Trafford
According to Daily Mail journalist Simon Jones, Newcastle have added Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth to their shortlist and are already in talks over a possible deal.
However, discussions with City regarding Trafford are continuing at the same time, suggesting Howe is determined to strengthen the position before the new season begins.
The interest in Rushworth and Trafford is hardly surprising.
Newcastle clearly believe both men have the attributes to become Premier League leading goalkeepers, but competition for their signature will be there.
That being said, pursuing both players gives Newcastle flexibility.
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If City continue to resist selling Trafford or the financial package becomes too expensive, Rushworth represents an outstanding alternative.
Goalkeeper has been identified as an area requiring improvement, particularly with Nick Pope's future attracting speculation and Newcastle looking to build a side capable of challenging consistently at the top end of the Premier League.
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