‘James Trafford to accept Newcastle terms after Howe lays down challenge’
James Trafford will be prepared to accept terms at Newcastle United as the Magpies look to sign the goalkeeper from Burnley.
The Clarets clinched promotion back to the Premier League after a remarkable 2024/25 Championship campaign in which Scott Parker’s men won 100 points and conceded just 16 goals.
Goalkeeper Trafford was at the heart of Burnley’s incredible defensive efforts, maintaining 29 clean sheets in 45 appearances.
But unfortunately for the Lancashire club, Newcastle want to sign Trafford, and can offer the 22-year-old Champions League football.
Trafford is ready to oust Nick Pope as Eddie Howe sets Newcastle challenge
The Burnley shot-stopper’s most impressive performance of the 2024/25 campaign arrived when he saved two penalties in a 0-0 draw with fellow Premier League newboys Sunderland on 17 January.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports Football provided an update on Newcastle’s Trafford pursuit via Instagram on Tuesday, 10 June: “Newcastle are in talks with Burnley over goalkeeper James Trafford.
“The club are hoping to have him and Nick Pope competing for the number one spot next season, and Burnley are understood to value him at £30million.”
Trafford revealed on Ben Foster’s podcast, Fozcast [5 June], that he wanted to leave the Clarets following their relegation to the Championship.
The 22-year-old is a confident individual who will be up for the challenge set by Eddie Howe to compete with Pope for the number one spot.
Newcastle may also feel it is time to acquire a potential upgrade on Pope, after the 33-year-old moved to St James’ Park back in 2022.
Anthony Elanga wants to join Newcastle
Newcastle’s strong interest in Trafford demonstrates that Howe is keen to bolster his goalkeeping options ahead of competing in next season’s Champions League.
| James Trafford stats | Championship 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 45 |
| Saves | 88 |
| Clean sheets | 29 |
But as the Magpies look to ready themselves for their second European campaign in three seasons, the 47-year-old is also eager to bolster his attack.
Newcastle are prioritising a new winger, while Howe’s men have set their sights on a move for Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga.
The former Manchester United man helped Forest land a Conference League spot by notching six goals and 11 assists in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
Ex-Man United and Blackburn Rovers chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Elanga wants to join Newcastle, thanks to the North East side’s Champions League status.
The 23-year-old could help the Magpies in their quest to win more silverware after Howe’s men won the Carabao Cup via a Wembley victory over Liverpool in March.