Newcastle United have been looking for a new ball-playing custodian for more than a year, according to reports.
We can never be certain about top targets, but it appears that Burnley’s James Trafford is the player Eddie Howe would like to sign ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Howe has already stated that’speed is vital’ to our summer business, pressing the club to make early movements, but it appears that a deal for the Clarets’ No. 1 may not be as straightforward.
Two rivals in the mix?
First and foremost, Mark Douglas published an article in the i Paper today about our pursuit of James Trafford, stating that Manchester City may also be interested in their former academy product.
He would qualify as a homegrown player for the Champions League squad, and his ball-playing qualities make him a possible replacement for Ederson, who is out of contract next summer.
Like Douglas, The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg writes that Newcastle has shown the most serious interest thus far, though he also reveals that Chelsea has enquired about Trafford, implying that we are not the only Premier League club in the running.
However, Fabrizio Romano reported today that Chelsea is prioritising a move for AC Milan’s Mike Maignan. For Newcastle’s viewpoint, it may not be a terrible thing if it clears the way for us to sign Trafford, as long as City do not make any moves.
Price tag and could two make way?
The i reports that Eddie Howe’s budget will require ‘in excess of £30 million’ to land Trafford this summer, with Burnley’s selling position significantly strengthened following his excellent season, which saw them secure promotion back to the Premier League.
There is also an overburdened custodian department on Tyneside, which may result in one or two leaving to make place for Trafford’s arrival.
Douglas suggests that if Trafford arrives, Newcastle may grudgingly consider a deal for Nick Pope to Leeds, while forgotten stopper Odysseas Vlachodimos will most likely be loaned.
The Greek custodian is reported to be disgruntled by his lack of playing time since signing from Nottingham Forest last summer as part of a PSR deal. However, given that he arrived for £20 million, a sale may not benefit the club in terms of PSR, making a loan move more likely.
However, the former Benfica player is thought to be unwilling to relocate to Saudi Arabia and would like to leave for a team in one of Europe’s ‘top five’ divisions.
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