‘Newcastle to accelerate James Trafford deal’ after Man City green light
Newcastle United are prepared to step up their interest in James Trafford in the January transfer window if they get the green light from Man City.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 23-year-old remains high on the Magpies’ list of goalkeeping options.
Newcastle missed out on signing Trafford during the summer when he opted for a return to the Etihad, although Gianluigi Donarumma’s arrival has impacted his playing time.
Brown told Football Insider on 20 November that Trafford could be allowed to leave Man City in January whether permanently or on loan amid growing interest.
The England international still has plenty of admirers thanks to his performances for Burnley in recent years, and is set to field offers when the window opens.
Newcastle United to pounce on James Trafford availability
Brown told Football Insider on 10 November that Nick Pope could be axed by Newcastle as a result of his inconsistent performances at St James’ Park.
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, insisted Trafford could be the answer to their concerns despite missing out in the summer.
“Newcastle are interested in Trafford, that’s not a surprise,” he told Football Insider.
“They tried to get him in the summer and it didn’t come off, so if he’s going to be available in January, I’m sure they’ll be ready to make a move.
“If Man City decide to let him go, either on loan or permanently, it would make a lot of sense for him to finally make that move to Newcastle.
“It looked like a good move for him going to City, but all of a sudden Donnarumma became available and they decided to bring him in, so it became a problem for Trafford.
“So a move to Newcastle, from the player’s point of view it makes a lot of sense, from Newcastle’s point of view he would improve their team.
“It all depends on City and whether they’re willing to let him go, because if they decide he can move on, Newcastle will be all over it.”
Newcastle make January transfer plan to back Eddie Howe
Football Insider revealed on 24 November that Newcastle are targeting reinforcements in January, with four key positions on Howe’s radar.
After what has been a difficult start to the season so far, despite their win against Man City at the weekend, the Magpies feel they may have to invest heavily in January.
Howe wants to add a new left-back, right-back, central midfielder and potentially another striker to his squad as concerns have emerged about their depth in all four positions.
Football Insider revealed on 23 November that Newcastle want to sign a striker in January amid concerns about Yoane Wissa‘s injury and Will Osula‘s future.
Meanwhile, Howe is concerned about his midfield options behind the key trio of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes and plans to add cover.
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