Newcastle United set to make fresh push to sign James Trafford
Newcastle United will reportedly look to sign 22-year-old English goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, James Trafford is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies are keen on bolstering their first-team squad by signing a goalkeeper in the summer transfer window. So, the 22-year-old Burnley mainstay has emerged as a target for the Tyneside outfit.
The Magpies are ready to make a new push to secure the Englishman’s services in the summer transfer window. However, Burnley will not dither from the asking price they have set to part ways with Trafford, continuing to demand a fee worth £30 million to sell the former Manchester City whizkid.
James Trafford and his rise
James Trafford has blossomed into a top-class goalkeeper since joining Burnley from Manchester City in July 2023. While the 22-year-old endured a challenging debut season with the Clarets and conceded dozens of goals, his second campaign produced record-breaking figures.
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The English goalkeeper kept 29 clean sheets in 45 EFL Championship appearances while conceding only 16 goals in the 2024/25 season, helping the Clarets secure Premier League promotion. So, it is hardly surprising that Trafford has emerged as a target for several well-known clubs, with Newcastle United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.
Move across the Premier League on the cards?
Newcastle United wanted to sign James Trafford last summer and in the winter transfer window, but the deal failed to see the light of day due to Burnley’s reluctance to part ways with him. The continued interest is understandable, considering Nick Pope has struggled with fitness issues in recent seasons.
In addition, the English international is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career. So, Newcastle United must sign a young goalkeeper who can compete with Pope to be the first-choice stopper. Trafford has thus emerged as a viable target, with the Tyneside outfit ready to make a new push to sign the 22-year-old Englishman.
However, Burnley’s asking price of £30 million has not changed. So, it will be interesting to see if Newcastle United will meet the newly promoted Premier League club’s valuation to sign the English goalkeeping prospect as they look to reinforce their goalkeeping department.
Watch: Brighton already have their Joao Pedro replacement as former Man United ace nets four in pre-season blitz
Brighton striker Danny Welbeck looks sharp ahead of the new campaign with a four-goal blast in a 6-1 pre-season victory against League One Wycombe 6-1.
Welbeck, Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter and Kaoru Mitoma all featured in the first half for the Seagulls, along with new signing from PSV, Olivier Boscagli, who played at centre back alongside Lewis Dunk.
James Milner, who missed most of last season with hamstring issue, also started and played 30 minutes. Carl Rushworth was selected in goal as Bart Verbruggen recovers from injury.
The second half saw plenty of changes with the likes of Jeremy Sarmiento, Facundo Buonanotte, Igor Julio, Erin Cashin and Andy Moran all featuring.
But it was Welbeck who stood out as the 34-year-old former Manchester United and Arsenal striker netted four first half goals. His form is huge bonus for head coach Fabian Hurzeler as they look to adapt after Joao Pedro’s £60m summer exit to Chelsea.
Buonanotte and Charlie Tasker completed the scoreline after the break on a baking hot afternoon in Lancing.
Brighton First half XI: Rushworth, Slater, Boscagli, Dunk, Veltman, Mitoma, Baleba, Milner (Moran ’30 as planned), Minteh, Georginio, Welbeck.
Brighton Second half XI: Rushworth, Cashin, Igor Julio, Webster, Tasker, Vickers, Mullins, Moran, Howell, Sarmiento, Buonanotte.
Viktor Gyokeres angers Sporting Lisbon
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s bid to sign former Brighton striker Viktor Gyokeres has taken a fresh twist after Sporting Lisbon confirmed he is facing disciplinary action for failing to turn up to training.
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