‘Burnley work on signing James Trafford replacement after Newcastle latest’
Burnley are working on signing a replacement for James Trafford this summer as he edges closer to joining Newcastle United.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Trafford is expected to leave Turf Moor despite ongoing delays.
Having already completed a £4.3million move to sign Max Weiss from Karlsruher SC, Scott Parker is now keen to land an out-and-out first-choice in goal.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 11 July that Newcastle are planning a new offer for Trafford, with a bigger up-front fee to tempt Burnley to sell.
After seeing several offers rejected, Parker’s side are now prepared to offer £22million up front, with add-ons taking the deal close to £40million in total.
This comes after Football Insider warned in May that Newcastle will have to overpay to sign Trafford as Parker is reluctant to let him leave.
Burnley making plans to lose James Trafford this summer
Brown told Football Insider in April that Newcastle are prepared to sign Trafford regardless of Burnley’s promotion and are working to get a deal over the line.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that replacements for the goalkeeper are now being lined up.
“Burnley have got the situation with their goalkeeper,” he told Football Insider.
“Everybody is expecting him to Newcastle, that’s going to happen at some stage because they’ve been working hard to bring him in.
“So Burnley have got to look in the market for a replacement.
“They’ve been looking at a number of options and scouts have been watching players.
“The one they’ve brought in already, I don’t think he’s going to be a replacement for Trafford.
“Scott Parker wants to bring somebody in to nail down that position, and then the other one can provide competition and come in when needed.
“So they’ve been monitoring replacements and I think they’ll make a move as soon as they do agree a deal for Trafford to move on.”
Maxime Esteve to stay at Turf Moor amid Tottenham interest
Trafford is not the only player being linked with a move away from Turf Moor this summer, as Maxime Esteve has been subject to plenty of speculation.
Football Insider revealed on 13 July that Burnley will demand “substantial” money for Esteve amid growing interest from the likes of Tottenham.
The Clarets are prepared to hold out for £50million for the centre-back, and are confident the price tag will put off interested parties.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in April that Crystal Palace and Everton want to sign Esteve should he be made available by Parker’s side.
For more Burnley and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.