Exclusive: Newcastle will overpay to finalise James Trafford deal
Newcastle may be forced to overpay to land a deal for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford in the summer transfer window.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about the 22-year-old’s future.
Trafford is seen as a long-term replacement for Nick Pope, who has been heavily linked with a move away from St James’ Park, but the deal will be difficult to pull off.
Football Insider revealed on 10 April that Newcastle are readying a concrete move for Trafford and are prepared to let Pope leave to make space.
However, Scott Parker is keen to hold on to his best players following their promotion to the Premier League and will not let him leave cheaply.
This comes after former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that Newcastle will try to sign Trafford regardless of Burnley’s situation.
Newcastle to replace Nick Pope with Burnley’s James Trafford
Brown told Football Insider shortly after the transfer window closed in February that Newcastle want to sign Trafford as a long-term successor to Pope.
The goalkeeper conceded a record-low 16 goals in 46 games during the Championship season and played a vital role in Burnley’s return to the Premier League.
O’Rourke explained that, while question marks remain about his ability to step up to the top level, he has earned the opportunity to prove himself at St James’ Park.
“Is James Trafford an upgrade on Nick Pope,” he told Football Insider.
“The only thing that lets Pope down at times is playing out from the back with his feet.
“He’s a fantastic goalkeeper and an imposing figure.
“James Trafford has been excellent in the Championship, collectively with the defence, the number of clean sheets and the defensive record is up there with the very best.
“He deserves his opportunity at the top level, but is he tried and tested at that level? No.
“If Pope moves on, Trafford could be the future and he’s earned that opportunity, but Newcastle will need two good goalkeepers going forward.
“It’s been two years since he was last in the Premier League and it didn’t work out for him.
“Newcastle will have to overpay for him with Burnley now in the Premier League, and it won’t be an easy deal for them to do.
“It’s a risk worth taking, but they will have to overpay to do it.”
Bryan Mbeumo update emerges as Magpies lead race
A new goalkeeper is not the only target on the Magpies’ radar, as they are also aiming to strengthen in the wide areas this summer.
Football Insider revealed that Newcastle are leading the race for Bryan Mbeumo ahead of the likes of Man United, and could agree a £50million deal with Brentford.
Eddie Howe has been a long-term admirer of the Cameroon international and is prepared to upgrade on Jacob Murphy ahead of their return to the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle could sell players before signing Mbeumo as they aim to raise the funds.
For more Newcastle United news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.