'Good fit' - James Trafford makes major Newcastle United transfer admission after agreeing personal terms

James Trafford has broken his silence on almost joining Newcastle United last summer.

As reported by NewcastleWorld, Trafford was set to sign for the Magpies in June last year, only for the plug to be pulled when it became apparent Nottingham Forest would demand the signing of Odysseas Vlachodimos in return for the PSR-satisfying swindle which saw Elliot Anderson move to the City Ground.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper instead stayed at Turf Moor and enjoyed a record-breaking campaign to help Burnley earn promotion from the Championship as runners-up. Trafford kept 19 clean sheets and conceded just 16 goals, including 12 consecutive clean sheets between December and March.

James Trafford confirms he wanted Newcastle United move

Addressing last year’s transfer speculation for the first time, Trafford has admitted he wanted to join Newcastle having viewed the move as a “good fit”. He told the Fozcast Podcast: “In the summer I think people knew I wanted to move. 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.

“The manager was brilliant throughout pre-season. I wasn’t the best, I was moody because I’m young and I wanted to move, but in the moment I still worked extremely hard.

“I knew the longer it went on, the reality became I would be playing the first game of the season and I wanted to play. I told the manager I’m available if he wanted to select me. If not, I’ll sit on the bench, but I’m available. He played me the first game and that was it.”

Newcastle United retain serious interest in James Trafford

The 22-year-old agreed personal terms over a switch to St James’ Park last summer and that “verbal pact is still valid” according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano. However, Newcastle accept that a deal is more difficult to do this time around.

United had a free run at a player seen as the future England No.1 last summer, they don't this, with a steady queue of admirers forming. A transfer that was set to cost £20m has now increased towards the £30m mark.

The goalkeeping department at Newcastle is set to come under some scrutiny this summer, with it overstocked in terms of numbers and also in need of an injection of quality.

No matter who walks through the door, as things stand, Nick Pope is expected to remain on Tyneside. Martin Dubravka and Vlachodimos could leave if an offer comes in, while John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie are out of contract on June - as it stands.

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