Newcastle United’s goalkeeper search has resulted in them being linked with James Trafford following relegation with Burnley.
The 21-year-old was unable to help keep the Clarets in the Premier League, but could be handed an immediate route back into the top flight.
That is because Trafford is now a rumoured target for Newcastle United, with the Magpies reportedly interested in signing the stopper as they look to beef up their goalkeeping department. That is seen as vital, with Loris Karius leaving the club and Martin Dubravka possibly following him.
Trafford, who could be available for around £20million according to the Daily Mail, is an interesting option for Newcastle, and his arrival would surely hint towards Nick Pope continuing as number one. That would be less likely if Aaron Ramsdale or Giorgi Mamardashvili joined the club, for instance.
James Trafford to Newcastle United seen as unlikely
And that is part of the reason why HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that he does not think Newcastle United will be signing Trafford this summer.
“Trafford’s agent is pushing his name around,” he said.
“He would arrive as purely a number two. He is in no way, shape or form an improvement on Nick Pope.
“I believe that Newcastle are looking for a goalkeeper who will improve the number one position, which James Trafford doesn’t. If they think Trafford is better than Pope then he might be an option, but I don’t believe they do.
“I don’t think Trafford did himself many favours in the Premier League.”
Trafford would have a lot to prove at St James’ Park
If Newcastle want a number two then getting someone like Trafford makes sense. As Bailey says, he certainly is not better than Pope.
But the Magpies are looking to give the England international more competition, and he might not get that if he is only vying with Trafford for a place in the starting XI.
While he does have a lot of potential and will come highly rated by Anthony Gordon, he really underperformed during his debut Premier League campaign. Trafford struggled in between the sticks, which resulted in him losing his place in Vincent Kompany’s starting lineup towards the end of the season.
There is also the added complication of Newcastle not being in Europe next season, which means less games. That will result in less rotation, which may suggest that the Magpies are more likely to bring in someone as a number two.
You could argue that strengthens Trafford’s position, but Bailey is not expecting him to be holding up a black and white scarf anytime soon.
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