Newcastle United have already agreed personal terms with Premier League-bound star - one to watch

On Monday evening, Trafford helped Burnley confirm their immediate return to England’s top-flight with two matches to spare after beating third-place Sheffield United 2-1 at Turf Moor. Josh Brownhill netted twice, either side of Tom Cannon’s equaliser.

Trafford has broken records in the Championship this campaign, keeping 28 clean sheets in 43 appearances and conceding just 15 goals. Between December and March, the 22-year-old went 12 consecutive matches without conceding, while he was the division’s Player of the Month in January, a month in which he saved two penalties in the same game against Sunderland.

But had matters turned out differently last summer, Trafford would already been playing in the Premier League. Newcastle had a £16million bid rejected last June as Burnley held out for upwards of £20m.

It’s understood Trafford agreed personal terms over a move to St James’ Park and that “verbal pact is still valid” according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. However, United now face paying more than last summer’s valuation with the Clarets’ promotion putting them in a much stronger negotiating position.

James Trafford labelled as ‘world-class’

Trafford moved to Turf Moor for £19million from Manchester City in July 2023. He was thrust into Premier League action and endured a hard time, conceding 62 goals in 28 games before being dropped in the final 10 matches.

But the Cumbria-born goalkeeper has been a man transformed this term. It was only last Friday Burnley boss Scott Parker labelled him as “world-class” following his wonder save in his side’s 2-1 victory at Watford.

“Incredible save,” Parker said. “Best save by... I mean, you could put it down as sort of an assist really, because from that, we then go and score a goal.

“A really big moment, a big moment for him - the sign of a top, top world-class goalkeeper, really, that at times, and even in the second half, when he's pretty redundant, really, but he has to come up with big saves in big moments, collect balls from crosses.

“Not just today, you're seeing someone who, for large parts, for the majority of this season, has been top draw for us.”

Parker’s comments were then put to Trafford. Not short of confidence, he replied said: “I know I'm a world-class goalkeeper!"

Newcastle United’s goalkeeping situation explained

The goalkeeping department is an area Eddie Howe is keen to bolster, despite there being five senior goalkeepers. The Magpies view Trafford as a long-term replacement for Nick Pope, as well as someone who is comfortable with the ball at his feet.

The futures of Martin Dubravka and Odysseas Vlachodimos are uncertain heading into the summer, while Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy are out of contract. Both could be handed new deals, though are extremely unlikely to make a first-team appearance.

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