Newcastle set to bid again for Burnley goalie James Trafford: Report
Yesterday at 05:00 AM
It's never too late to have one more man in net.
Newcastle United remain steadfast in their pursuit of Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, with Craig Hope of the Daily Mail reporting that the Magpies are expected to launch another bid for the 22-year-old in 2025.
Trafford, a regular starter for Burnley this season, is seen as a prime candidate to eventually succeed Nick Pope as Newcastle's first-choice keeper if the Magpies eventually snatch him.
That said, and as Hope reports, a January transfer is unlikely given Burnley's promotion push in the Championship and Trafford's bonafide role as the clear-cut no. 1 for the Clarets.
"Newcastle will make a renewed attempt to sign James Trafford in 2025," Hope wrote. "Sources say the club's interest remains strong—they came close to signing the Burnley keeper in the summer—and the Cumbria-born player is still keen on a move to St James' Park."
Trafford fits the Magpies' transfer profile for a young, high-upside goalkeeper who can grow into the role over time while being capable of contributing immediately if needed.
Hope detailed that Newcastle made significant progress in their attempt to secure Trafford's signature during the 2023 summer window, but Burnley's valuation proved prohibitive.
"We reported in the summer that the framework of a move was in place, only for Burnley to ask for more money than Newcastle were willing and able to pay," Hope wrote.
Despite the setback, Newcastle have maintained their interest, with Trafford continuing to impress in his current role at Burnley, therefore the long odds for a move as soon as this winter.
"A January deal would be unlikely given the 22-year-old is playing every week for the Clarets and they are in the hunt for promotion back to the Premier League," Hope wrote.
While Nick Pope remains the established No. 1 at St James' Park, his age and random injuries have prompted Newcastle to accelerate their plans to identify a successor not already in his 30s such as Odisseas Vlachodimos.
