Newcastle have reportedly made a £16 million offer to Burnley for goalkeeper James Trafford.
The Pitch Prospect reported Newcastle’s interest in the 21-year-old, with the Clarets open to a sale following their relegation from the Premier League.
2
Chelsea are also interested in a move to Trafford this summer as the team prepares for next season under new head coach Enzo Maresca.
However, it seems Newcastle have made the first move, with the Daily Mail reporting on their offer for the player.
Talks were reportedly held between the two clubs during the week, with Burnley pushing for a figure close to £20 million.
This would be just £1 million more than the deal they agreed last summer when they signed Trafford for Manchester City.
Burnley initially paid £15 million for the goalkeeper, but with additional services the total could rise to £19 million.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is said to be a “big admirer” and the club sees him as a competitor for Nick Pope.
Trafford made 28 Premier League appearances for Burnley, but did not play in the final ten games of the season.
He was also named in England’s provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024 and was one of seven players not included on the final list.
2
Pope missed much of the season due to a dislocated shoulder, but was able to return to play on the final day of the season.
Newcastle failed to qualify for Europe for next season but will hope that summer transfer dealings, possibly starting at Trafford, will take the club back to continental football.
However, they recently failed to sign free-lance Tosin Adarabioyo from Chelsea. He will join the Blues after his contract at Fulham expires on June 30.
The Pitch Prospect believes that Chelsea’s offer to play in Europe was a key reason why Tosin chose Chelsea over the Magpies.