Newcastle Pursue Former Manchester City Starlet in Desperate Bid for Deadline Day Signing
The Magpies are scrambling to get a seventh summer signing over the line before the transfer window slams shut on Friday night, and they’ve identified a former Manchester City player as the potential solution.
According to reports, Newcastle are in talks with Burnley about signing 21-year-old goalkeeper James Trafford, who starred for England U21s in their U21 European Championship triumph last summer. The young custodian struggled to adapt to the Premier League during his first season with the Clarets, but he’s since regrouped and become Scott Parker’s first-choice goalkeeper in the Championship.
Trafford, who was previously linked to the Magpies earlier in the summer, is said to be keen to secure a move to St. James’ Park, with personal terms reportedly not an issue. However, Newcastle will need to offload one of their existing five senior goalkeepers to make room for the promising young keeper.
A loan move with an obligation to buy is the preferred option, with Burnley having rejected an offer of £15 million earlier in the summer. Newcastle are unlikely to meet that valuation, and a loan deal with a guarantee of a permanent transfer may be the most feasible solution.
In recent weeks, the Magpies have been pursuing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, but their £65 million bid was rejected by the Eagles. As the transfer window enters its final throws, Eddie Howe’s side are looking increasingly desperate for a major signing.
Trafford’s arrival could add some much-needed depth to Newcastle’s goalkeeper department, and his potential and talent could make him an shrewd signing for the club.
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