Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United reportedly remain in the pole position to sign Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford this summer.
According to Ben Jacobs via Give Me Sport, Newcastle United are keen on signing James Trafford, who has been doing wonders for Burnley in the EFL Championship. The Tyneside club see him as an ideal long-term replacement for Nick Pope, and they are leading the race to his signature.
While things did not work out for Trafford at Manchester City, the move to Burnley has certainly helped his cause. The Englishman has been on fire this season, keeping 24 clean sheets in his 34 Championship outings. Not only does he have the most number of clean sheets in the second division, but the 22-year-old has conceded the least amount of goals (10).
The stopper’s exceptional performances have not gone unnoticed, and there are clubs that are looking to prise him away. While Burnley do not want to lose out on James Trafford, they might not have an option if they fail to earn a promotion to the English top flight. The player is quite happy at Burnley for now, but he might not want to continue playing in the second division.
Newcastle United want to sign Trafford
Newcastle United are keen on signing James Trafford in the summer transfer window. The Magpies were interested in him last summer, and they could reignite their interest ahead of next season. While the Tyneside outfit are well covered in goal, they see the 22-year-old as a long-term replacement for the exit-linked Nick Pope.
While speaking to GiveMeSport about Trafford’s future, Jacobs said, “He is now very happy at Burnley. But of course, they’re third in the Championship, and if they don’t get automatic promotion or come up in the playoffs, then it becomes almost certain that somebody will come in for James Trafford.
“And Newcastle are still the front runners. They’re the ones to watch. Newcastle view Trafford as a potential heir to Nick Pope and to provide competition in the short term. But of course, Martin Dubravka just signed a new deal, slightly unexpectedly when it looked like he was off to Al-Shabab. So Newcastle are still well covered in the goalkeeper position and content.”
While Pope still has a few years left in him, the Magpies want to prepare for the long run. They believe James Trafford can compete with him in the short-term and eventually take over as their number.
But, things won’t be that straightforward as Martin Dubravka, who was heading to the Middle East, ended up extending his stay at St. James’ Park. The Tyneside club are already have enough options in goal. As a result, it will be interesting to see how Newcastle United make room for the signing of Trafford.
