Fabrizio Romano teases Newcastle United 'here we go' as breakthrough close after £40m talks
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is edging closer to becoming Newcastle United’s first major summer signing.
Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
The 22-year-old was set to sign for Newcastle last summer but the deal was pulled when Nottingham Forest demanded Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos as part of the PSR swindle that saw Elliot Anderson move to the City Ground.
Trafford stayed at Turf Moor and played a starring role last season, keeping 29 clean sheets and conceding just 16 goals as the Clarets clinched automatic promotion back to the Premier League.
As a result, his valuation has increased from £20million to £40m but the Magpies are close to reaching a compromise, likely to be around £35m with add-ons.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Newcastle United James Trafford deal is close
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano posted on X: “Newcastle are closing in on James Trafford deal, final details being sorted! Agreement almost done with Burnley and then it will be here we go. Newcastle are planning to get the deal done very soon.”
Trafford has already agreed personal terms over a switch to St James’ Park.
Romano wrote last week: “James Trafford has fully agreed personal terms with Newcastle and talks between clubs keep advancing,” Romano wrote on X. “No agreement yet on fee with Burnley but expectation remains to get it done in the next days. #NUFC confident as reported.”
James Trafford opens up on failed 2024 Newcastle United
Cockermouth-born Trafford recently opened up on his disappointment at seeing the Newcastle move fall through last year.
Trafford joined Burnley from Manchester City for £19m in the summer of 2023. He was thrown straight into Premier League action but endured a difficult debut campaign.
The former Bolton Wanderers loanee was dropped from the team for the final 10 games of the season as the Clarets were relegated to the Championship. Despite his struggles, Newcastle came calling and Trafford wanted the move.
“In the summer I think people knew I wanted to move,” Trafford told Fozcast. “The club that I was close to going, it was a good fit for me. It was brilliant for me and I really believed in it.
“I wanted to move, not just because I didn’t want to play in the Championship, I had no shame playing in the Championship. I have no ego to think I’m better than the Championship. You only prove something by performing and showing people. You can say whatever you want but unless you perform.
“It was just when an opportunity and a situation you think suits you can happen, you should take it and you should try and go for it, so I wanted to move. It was close but it didn’t end up happening.”
Newcastle United plan for James Trafford
If a deal is finalised, as expected, Trafford will rival Pope for the number one spot. Some outlets have claimed Trafford’s arrival could spell the end of Pope’s time on Tyneside, but NewcastleWorld understands the latter firmly remains part of Eddie Howe’s plans.
“I do think he’s one of the best shot stoppers I’ve had the privilege to work with,” Howe said in May. 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.”