How Newcastle really 'feel' about James Trafford failure ahead of Leeds showdown

Newcastle United's hierarchy appear to have finally pulled away from their long-term admiration of Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford.

The Magpies have had the England international on their radar for several years now, and were keen to sign him once again this summer, as his departure from Manchester City became increasingly likely.

However, it was Leeds who won the race to sign Trafford, with Newcastle left to ponder what could have been once again, with the starlet having previously rejected them to move to the Etihad Stadium.

Instead, the North East outfit opted to sign Braga's Lukas Hornicek, who was comparatively untested at the top levels of European football.

However, the 24-year-old has now kept clean sheets in two of his last three outings, and is already starting to provide an assured presence between the posts.

Hornicek and Trafford are set to face off against each other at Elland Road on Monday night, and there is no doubt how the Magpies feel about it.

Newcastle have no regrets over James Trafford

Hornicek has made a bright start to his time at St James' Park, despite not being Newcastle's first-choice option in recent years.

Previous manager Eddie Howe had always viewed Trafford as the long-term successor to Nick Pope, even though the club were ultimately unable to get him.

According to The Athletic, Howe was the "leading proponent" for the club continuing to chase Trafford, and it is understood that the "hierarchy" themselves have no regrets about missing out on him.

By contrast, they view Hornicek as one of Europe's "top young goalkeeper prospects," and conducted extensive data-led research prior to signing him.

Ahead of Monday's showdown between the two clubs, it is clear that Newcastle are content with the outcome of their pursuit of Trafford.

There is seemingly no sense of them envying Leeds for getting a deal to sign him over the line.

Dan Burn in line for new role at Newcastle

Football Insider revealed last weekend that defender Dan Burn is expected to play a bigger role in the dressing room for Newcastle this season.

The 34-year-old is currently sidelined through injury, but is expected to see his involvement reduced long-term by Matthias Jaissle.

Burn is heading towards the end of his contract, which is due to expire next summer, but his role behind the scenes among the squad is more important than ever.

Newcastle's squad have got significantly younger this summer, and Jaissle is relying on Burn to be an experienced presence among the group.