Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is Newcastle United’s top goalkeeper target.

Burnley are lining up a move for a goalkeeper amid Newcastle United’s interest in their number one James Trafford.

The Magpies have recently held talks with the Clarets over signing Trafford having come extremely close to sealing a £20million deal last summer. The 22-year-old was set to sign but United pulled the plug when they agreed to take Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos as part of the PSR swindle that saw Elliot Anderson move to Nottingham Forest.

Trafford remained at Turf Moor and played a starring role, with his 29 clean sheets and just 16 goals conceded helping to earn automatic promotion from the Championship as runners-up on 100 points. To little surprise, Trafford’s value has increased with Burnley now wanting closer to £40m.

Burnley eye James Trafford back-up

As it stands, Trafford is not close to leaving and Scott Parker’s side are planning for their new Premier League season with him, so much so that they have identified a back-up rather than a replacement. According to reports, as relayed by our sister title, Burnley Express, the Clarets are interested in sealing a move for Karlsruher SC shotstopper Max Weiss.

Weiss established himself as Kalsruher’s number one last season and did not miss a single game as they finished eighth in Germany’s second-tier. Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg are interested in signing the 21-year-old on a permanent basis before loaning him out.

However, it’s claimed Weiss, who is expected to cost around £4m, would prefer a move to Burnley.

Newcastle United’s plan for James Trafford - if he signs

Should Newcastle push ahead and seal a deal for Trafford, the plan would be for him to rival Nick Pope for the number one jersey.

In May, Howe described Pope as ‘one of the best shotstoppers he has worked with’ and has previously said that he makes saves that not many others can.

Howe said: “Yeah, it may seem funny to say that about a goalkeeper because that is obviously what they are there to do but I do think he’s one of the best shot stoppers I’ve had the privilege to work with.

“He has this ability to get his positioning right and he has long levers, big arms and legs that he manages to get touches on balls some other goalkeepers wouldn’t because of his size and stature. He is also very good from crosses and we are going to need that coming into this game, set plays and all the things Arsenal possess as big strengths.”

Movement is expected to Newcastle’s goalkeeper department this summer. While Pope is set to stay, Martin Dubravka and Vlachodimos will be allowed to leave if suitable offers arrive, while John Ruddy is likely to depart when his contract expires on June 30.