Newcastle United are willing to part ways with Nick Pope for £10-15 million and have identified James Trafford as an ideal replacement.
According to a report from Football Insider, Newcastle United could end up cashing in on their goalkeeping mainstay, Nick Pope, who hasn’t really been at his best this season. But they will only part ways with him if they manage to land a replacement, and Burnley’s James Trafford is one of the names that is quite high on their wishlist.
Pope’s time at Newcastle coming to an end?
Pope has been the undisputed number one at Newcastle since joining them from Burnley back in 2022. While he still remains a key figure in the team, there are question marks about his future at the club. He missed a total of 10 games across competitions because of injury, and his performances haven’t been at the expected level this season.
The Magpies are reportedly ready to part ways with him due to concerns about his performances and his injury struggles. Since he is only 32 and is quite active on the international stage, the Tyneside club feel they could raise significant funds from his departure.
Newcastle would be willing to sell him for a fee of around £10 to £15 million, but they will only go ahead with it if they manage to bring in a top-quality replacement. Eddie Howe’s team look set to once again raid Burnely for another shot-stopper.
Trafford could replace Pope at Newcastle
They really admire Trafford, who has been doing wonders for the Clarets in the ongoing campaign. The 22-year-old has a total of 24 clean sheets in his 33 outings, and he has only conceded a total of nine goals. The former Manchester City goalkeeper has been on fire, and Newcastle are looking to push for his signature.
They were earlier looking at him as an ideal option to be their number two at St James’s Park. The idea was to have him as a cover for Pope, and given his potential, he could have eventually taken over from him.
But, as things stand, they are ready to sell the 32-year-old and could end up handing the Burnely star the opportunity to be their undisputed number one going forward.