Magpies eyeing up ‘outstanding’ Burnley keeper
HE’S ONE OF SEVERAL TARGETS
NEWCASTLE United are on the hunt for additional goalkeeping assets this summer but may need some help from a familiar face when pursuing Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford.
The 21-year-old is one of many goalkeeper targets watched closely by the Magpies, as Eddie Howe seeks competition for Nick Pope in between the sticks at St James’ Park.
Trafford got a glimpse of that particular venue as he watched on as an unused sub in England’s 3-0 win over Bosnia on Monday.
Vincent Kompany’s Burnley departure has left the relegated club reeling.
Former Newcastle forward Craig Bellamy has been handed the job on an interim basis, although the Welshman is rated highly at Turf Moor and could be given the chance to lead the club’s Championship promotion push on a full-time contract.
Bellamy played more games for Newcastle than any of his other clubs during a goal-laden career in England and Wales. The former striker has been Kompany’s right-hand man in recent years but declined the chance to follow the Belgian to Bayern Munich. The new Clarets boss will be keen to keep his best players at the club but may prove powerless in trying to keep Trafford beyond the summer amid Premier League interest.
The youngster lost his place for Burnley at the business-end of this season but is still highly-rated with a big future ahead of him.
He is familiar to some Newcastle stars – notably Anthony Gordon after the pair lifted the Under-21 European Championships together in 2023. Gordon was named Player of the Tournament after a stellar few weeks for his country but was left remarkably impressed by Trafford’s performances during England’s run to winning the showpiece.
“I fully trust him to save anything at this point,” Gordon said of Trafford during the tournament last year.
“He’s been outstanding all tournament. He possibly could have won player of the tournament being a goalkeeper, which is incredible. Didn’t concede a goal all tournament.”
Newcastle have also explored a deal for Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, while Valencia keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is a target for around £35m.
I fully trust him to save anything at this point. He’s been outstanding all tournament.