James Trafford’s new price tag as Newcastle United push for exciting transfer
Newcastle United’s transfer interest in Burnley stopper James Trafford has never went away
Aaron Stokes Newcastle United Editor
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is a target for Newcastle United
Newcastle United’s interest in James Trafford remains but the Magpies know they will have to splash out significantly more than the goalkeeper’s former £20m price tag to secure a deal this summer.
United pursued the stopper 12 months ago on the back of the Clarets’ Premier League relegation, with Trafford losing his spot to Arijanet Muric at the business end of the season. At the same time, new manager Scott Parker was overseeing a fire sale at Turf Moor but managed to keep hold of the highly-rated stopper despite serious interest in his signature.
Trafford would go on to enjoy one of the best seasons in Championship history for a goalkeeper, keeping a remarkable 29 clean sheets and conceding just 16 league goals. As such, his valuation has increased as Burnley return to the top flight.
It is believed a fee of around £35m may now be needed to secure Trafford this summer, while previous reports have suggested Manchester City included a buy-back clause of over £40m in their agreement to sell the stopper to Burnley back in 2023. Newcastle have more spending power at their disposal this summer but with a host of different positions on their transfer shortlist, it remains to be seen how – and where – funds are deployed.
A lot could depend on the future of Nick Pope, who has been tracked by Leeds United. Eddie Howe is thought to want Trafford to come in and compete with the current Toon No 1, with Martin Dubravka and Odysseas Vlachodimos facing uncertain futures.
Meanwhile, Burnley must work out the best move on their end after securing automatic promotion before failing to tie key players such as CJ Egan-Riley and Josh Brownhill down to new contracts. Parker will be fighting to keep other top players in the north west, while appreciating some could fetch top dollar for the newly-promoted outfit.
Discussing Trafford’s talents earlier this year, the former Newcastle midfielder said: “For sure, this is a boy with absolutely humongous potential. But I still think there is so much more to come from him.
“I’ve seen a real development in him this season and there is no better goalkeeper in and around this division.”
Newcastle are expected to oversee a revamp of their goalkeeping department this summer, with former Magpies stopper Fraser Forster also linked with a St James’ Park move.
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