Newcastle United in talks to sign James Trafford

Newcastle United are now in talks to sign 22-year-old goalkeeper James Trafford.

Trafford has been a long-term target for The Magpies but Sky Sports News are now reporting that the club have entered official negotiations with Burnley over the player.

Burnley reportedly value the shot-stopper at £30 million but talks regarding the fee are ongoing.

Should Trafford become a Newcastle player, it is expected that he will compete with Nick Pope for the number one jersey at St James' Park.

Pope, a former Burnley player himself, has seen a reduction in his game time over recent seasons with injury problems playing a decisive role in the Englishman only managing 28 Premier League starts this season.

With UEFA Champions League football returning to the Tyneside club in 2025/26, manager Eddie Howe will be keen to add to the depth of his squad throughout the summer.

James Trafford career so far

Trafford made the switch to Burnley in 2023 following an impressive loan spell with Bolton and a UEFA European U21 Championship win with England.

After getting off to a shaky start, Trafford's £15m move to Turf Moor has been a roaring success with manager Scott Parker labelling him as a 'special player'.

Burnley broke a whole host of Championship defensive records in 2024/25 with Trafford starting 45 of their 46 league matches.

Finishing the season with 29 clean sheets, he equalled the record for the most shut-outs by a goalkeeper in English football whilst the 16 goals that his club conceded throughout the league season was the fewest ever shipped during a second-tier campaign.

Thomas Tuchel included Trafford in his England squad for their games against Andorra and Senegal but he is yet to receive a senior cap for his country.

William Dobbie

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