Newcastle ‘work on deal to sign the next Jordan Pickford’ after scouting missions
Newcastle United are pursuing a deal to sign Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford amid concerns about Nick Pope’s long-term future.
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 scouts have been watching the 22-year-old’s performances this season.
There is a feeling that the deal will be a simple one for Newcastle to pull off if Scott Parker’s Burnley side fail to earn promotion from the Championship.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle will accept offers for Pope if they can land his replacement, with work ongoing towards that end behind the scenes.
Trafford has now been identified as the Magpies’ top target to replace their goalkeeper, despite some concerns about his command of the penalty box.
Brown compared the Burnley man to Everton and England star Jordan Pickford given his strengths lie in distribution and shot-stopping rather than dominating his area.
However, Newcastle scouts have been impressed with what they have seen thanks to his steady improvements and development with Burnley.
Newcastle plot move to sign James Trafford after scouting missions
Trafford is also very much on England’s radar and is being set up as his country’s future number-one, as he has been included in a number of senior squads.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player scouting and recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that it is not a surprise to see Newcastle are looking to land the 22-year-old.
“James Trafford is definitely somebody they’ve been looking at,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ve had scouts watching him and it will be down to them to make a decision about his abilities.
“He’s a very talented young goalkeeper, but there are a few question marks about him.
“Burnley have done superbly well so far this season, particularly defensively, and he has no doubt been a big part of that success.
“I’ve seen him coming through the ranks with England and taking the next steps in his career.
“He’s got better and better the more he’s played in recent years, but he’s not quite as solid and stable as I’d like to see in a goalkeeper.
“He’s not one of those ‘I’m in charge’ type goalkeepers who takes control of every situation.
“He’s a bit like Jordan Pickford in that he’s a very good shot-stopper, but a bit all over the place and 100 miles an hour when he’s defending the box.
“To be fair to him, he has improved his game and he’s very much on England’s radar too.
“He’s been in a couple of the senior squads now and they’re introducing him into that setup.
“So it doesn’t surprise me to hear Newcastle are having look at him and I think he would be a good option for them if they can agree a deal with Burnley.
“That said, if Burnley don’t get promoted this year, I don’t think it’ll be a difficult deal to do.”
Eddie Howe plans for Callum Wilson exit after contract latest
Amid speculation about the future of Pope at St James’ Park, he is one of several Newcastle players who could depart Eddie Howe’s squad come the summer.
Another of those players is Callum Wilson, whose contract is set to expire come the end of the season having missed the majority of the year with injury issues.
Brown has now told Football Insider that Wilson will leave Newcastle upon the expiry of his deal as he is no longer seen as part of their long-term plans.
A number of clubs are believed to have shown an interest in the 33-year-old and could make a move after he officially leaves the club in July.
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