‘Newcastle hatch James Trafford transfer plan after Burnley twist’
Newcastle United will make a move to sign James Trafford this summer regardless of whether Burnley are promoted to the Premier League.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider the 22-year-old is among the leading candidates to replace Nick Pope.
The Magpies are aiming to qualify for the Champions League and their place in European football should allow them to tempt Trafford to the club.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 10 April that Newcastle are readying a concrete move for Trafford, who is also on the radar of West Ham.
He has been included in the last two England senior squads despite having not yet made his debut, and Eddie Howe views him as his future number-one at St James’ Park.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle will accept offers for Pope this summer to make way for his incoming replacement.
Newcastle eye James Trafford move after scouts’ verdicts
Brown told Football Insider in February that Newcastle are pushing to sign Trafford as scouts have been impressed by his performances at Turf Moor.
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, has heaped praise on the goalkeeper for Burnley’s defensive record this season.
“I don’t think the deal will depend on whether Burnley are promoted,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ve had a brilliant season so far and their defensive record is superb.
“Just 13 goals conceded in 42 league games is an incredible achievement, and James Trafford has been a big part of that.
“Newcastle have been monitoring his progress throughout the season, they know his strengths and weaknesses and feel he would be a good fit.
“A new goalkeeper is one of their top priorities and a position they feel they want to strengthen.
“They’ll have European football behind them, possibly Champions League, so Burnley being in the Premier League won’t make a difference to them.
“I think they’ll be prepared to make that move regardless of what happens.”
Aaron Ramsdale deal on cards after Eddie Howe green light
Trafford is not the only goalkeeper on Newcastle’s radar as things stand as they continue to assess their options to replace Pope in the long-term future.
Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle want to sign Southampton star Aaron Ramsdale, who has a £25million release clause in his deal at St Mary’s.
The 26-year-old is seen as an upgrade on their current number-one despite having been relegated with the Saints in a shocking season.
Football Insider revealed on 6 April that Eddie Howe is a big fan of Ramsdale, while the likes of Bournemouth and Leeds United are also interested.
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