Early January transfer twist as Newcastle United make bold decision on player Eddie Howe loves
Newcastle United failed to sign James Trafford in consecutive summer transfer windows.
Newcastle United will reportedly not renew their interest in Manchester City forgotten man James Trafford.
A whirlwind summer transfer window saw the Magpies all but agree a deal with Burnley for the goalkeeper. However, a last-ditch twist resulted in Manchester City activating a buy-back option at the last moment.
The 23-year-old headed to the Etihad and started the season as Pep Guardiola’s No.1. But a costly mistake against Tottenham Hotspur caused City to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma - arguably the world’s best goalkeeper - and Trafford has not played a Premier League game since.
Newcastle United goalkeeper situation
Newcastle changed tack and ultimately moved for Aaron Ramsdale on a season-long loan. An injury to Nick Pope has given the former Arsenal man a regular in between the sticks until the Burnley win on Tuesday.
In truth, neither man is the long-term answer for the Magpies and the goalkeeping situation has become a top transfer priority. It is doubtful that Newcastle will aim to sign a top-level shot-stopper this month.
James Trafford update
The Daily Mail claim Newcastle no longer view Trafford as a potential target. Toon chiefs tried - and failed - to sign the goalie for two consecutive summers.
It is reported that his wages at Man City have become an issue - something that was not a factor during his Burnley days. Trafford’s career sits at a crossroads as Donnarumma - who turns 27 next month - is not going anywhere soon.
One wonders if Trafford is tinged with regret that Man City came calling at the final hour. He was Eddie Howe’s top target for the goalkeeper position and would have been guaranteed the chance to make a Premier League impression.
Ross Wilson on January transfer window
Speaking to supporters last month, new Toon sporting director Wilson confirmed there is money in the kitty if needed. He said: “The scouting work is always ongoing,” Wilson explained. “So, the guys are doing loads of work with that all the time. Can we spend in January? Yes. If we want to, we can.
“It’s obvious to everybody given the level of club spend in the summer that we’re not going to do that again in the winter window as well, for a variety of reasons. But if we want to spend, we can.
“Of course, we’ll be creative, of course we’ll be opportunistic as well. But probably the most important thing is that it would have to align with what the summer plan looks like, which is the bigger squad plan. All of those conversations are ongoing.
“We’ll have the ones about where Eddie sees the need in the squad, if at all. But for now, the conversations have been, ‘What have we got, what do we think about what we’ve got, where do we see this’, then let’s see how that fits into January and the next part of the conversation.”