Exclusive: Newcastle ready bid close to £40m to sign James Trafford from Burnley
Newcastle are planning a new offer for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford with a bigger upfront fee in a bid to land the player, sources have told Football Insider.
Trafford has been a long-term target for Newcastle and they have made several offers which have been rejected by Burnley for the 22-year-old.
The Magpies are determined to land Trafford to provide competition for Nick Pope next season and are preparing an upfront offer of £22m with add-ons taking it close to £40m to try and persuade Burnley to sell the England keeper.
Newcastle are on the verge of making Anthony Elanga their first signing of the summer and they are confident of making Trafford their next arrival at St James’ Park.
Trafford kept 29 clean sheets in 45 appearances last season to help Burnley win promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League.
Newcastle set to fold to Burnley’s demands
The Times reported on 4 July that Newcastle were confident that Burnley would compromise on a deal for Trafford.
However, the Clarets are sticking to their guns, keen to earn as high a fee as possible for the English shot-stopper who was so instrumental to their second-placed finish in the Championship last season.
Despite being in a much stronger position with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) this summer, Newcastle have struggled to do business.
Targets Marc Guehi, Bryan Mbeumo, Jarell Quansah, and Joao Pedro have all agreed, or are close to agreeing moves elsewhere despite heavy interest from the Magpies.
Keen to avoid missing out on another top target, Newcastle look set to make Trafford their second major signing this summer.
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The goalkeeper position has proven a problem area for Newcastle in recent seasons, largely due to Pope’s injury issues.
The former Burnley shot-stopper has missed 33 Premier League games over the last two seasons, with Martin Dubravka often filling in for the 33-year-old.
Heading into a season in which Newcastle will be competing in all three domestic competitions, plus the Champions League, a reliable first-choice option was a necessity.