‘Man City complication update after Newcastle enter James Trafford talks with Burnley’
Newcastle United could be facing complications involving Manchester City in their deal to sign Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
Trafford has been a long-time target of the Magpies, and they saw two bids for his services rejected last summer as he remained at Burnley following their relegation to the Championship.
The England youth international led the Clarets back to the Premier League in second place with 100 points last season, and he broke all kinds of records while being one of the second-tier’s standout players.
His impressive form has seen Newcastle reignite their interest in his services for this summer, with the Magpies positive PSR situation meaning they will be able to back Eddie Howe in the transfer window, following a recent reveal by Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke.
Newcastle interest in Trafford has not yet materialised into a new bid for his services, but the fact he was previously on Man City’s books, who he left for Burnley in 2023, is set to make securing his signature tougher this summer after negotiations were opened.
Manchester City sell-on clause set to complicate Newcastle’s pursuit of Trafford
Football Insider revealed in April that Newcastle were readying a concrete move for Trafford and were prepared to let Nick Pope leave to make space, and the Magpies were reported to be in talks with Burnley over a move on Tuesday (10 June) by Sky Sports Football.
The Times have reported the same, but they also claim that the deal has been “complicated” because Trafford’s boyhood club Man City are entitled to a 20-per-cent sell-on clause as part of any deal that sees him leave Turf Moor.
Burnley want a “record” fee for a British keeper of around £30million but Howe’s side are looking to spend less.
The Citizens also hold a buy-back option in the 22-year-old’s Clarets contract, but The Times update indicates that they expected not to contest Newcastle’s push for his signature this summer, despite previous reports of potential rival interest in Trafford from Pep Guardiola‘s side.
Newcastle are set for a big summer window following Champions League qualification
Football Insider verdict
Newcastle are now in pole position to sign Trafford despite the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa and Bournemouth all being interested in his services at some point prior to this summer, alongside Man City.
| Appearances | Goals conceded | Clean sheets |
| 45 | 16 | 29 |
They will want to get his signing wrapped up as soon as possible in preparation for next season, and his capture could be one of many as they return to Champions League action in 2025/26.
Football Insider have recently revealed that boss Howe has set his sights on respective moves for Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth forwards Anthony Elanga and Antoine Semenyo, while Chelsea and England winger Noni Madueke has emerged as a target [The i] in the last week.
Former scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that the Magpies want to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton as Howe looks to add a new centre-forward to his ranks, while Callum Wilson looks set to depart St James’ Park upon the expiry of his contract.
Trafford will be solid signing for Newcastle ahead of the new season if they are able to get his signature over the line, and if his incoming is confirmed soon, it could represent the first big-money capture of many this summer as they aim to consolidate themselves as a top-five Premier League club.