Newcastle United given green light to pursue goalkeeper transfer - Eddie Howe's a big fan
Nick Pope has come under criticism for his error in Newcastle United’s 3-2 defeat to Everton.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe refused to comment on suggestions that he needs a new number one this summer.
The Magpies’ goalkeeping department is back under the spotlight following Nick Pope’s error in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Everton in the Premier League at St James’ Park.
United had just got themselves back in the game through Jacob Ramsey’s equaliser but conceded less than two minutes later when Pope spilled Dwight McNeil’s shot, which allowed Beto to tap home for 2-1.
It is one of several high-profile mistakes from Pope this campaign after West Ham United, Brentford and Marseille.
Eddie Howe refuses to answer Newcastle United goalkeeper question
“I think it's difficult for me to comment on any one player or any one position,” Howe told NewcastleWorld when asked if Pope has become a weakness and if signing a ‘keeper was a top priority this summer.
“Just collectively, we've got to defend our goal better. That's everyone across the board. That's me taking responsibility for that first, and then of course, following that down to the players.”
Newcastle United twice tried to sign James Trafford before Man City hijack
In the previous two summer transfer windows, the Magpies have come close to signing James Trafford, only to lose out on his signature to Manchester City.
United had a free run at signing Trafford in 2024 and a deal was set to happen, however the need to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) saw them sell Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest and sign Odysseas Vlachodimos in return.
Newcastle did return for Trafford last summer but were gazumped by Man City, who exercised their matching rights option to secure a £27million deal.
The 23-year-old spent eight years in the Citizens’ academy before he was sold to Burnley for a reported £19m in 2023.
James Trafford has already given Newcastle United the green light to make move
Trafford, however, could become available again this summer after the player recently revealed at his discontent over a lack of game time.
The Cumbrian-born goalkeeper thought he was signing as Man City’s number one, so was left blind sided by the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain.
As a result, Trafford has largely been restricted to domestic cup matches, where he started both Carabao Cup semi-final legs against Newcastle, and is likely to start Saturday’s FA Cup fifth round tie between the two clubs.
“I didn't expect the situation to happen, but it’s happened, so you just get on with it,” Trafford said last month. “Yeah. it's happened so I’ll work very hard every day and then see what happens, give it my best shot.
“It’s just another experience to add to my career and yeah, it has been good learning.
“Obviously everyone knows what's going on with me so I've just got to play as well as I can whenever I play. Let's take it a day at a time and try and work as hard as I can and whatever happens, happens.
‘I've obviously got a contract. I don't know what happens next season. I just know that I'll just take it a day at a time and try and improve.
“He (Donnarumma) is a great fella, he is a lovely man. We both train as hard as we can and try to improve ourselves. Obviously he's had a great career so far and he's got great standards.”
Will Newcastle United attempt to sign James Trafford a third time?
It’s obvious Newcastle retain an interest in Trafford, with Howe publicly revealing his admiration for the player.
“I think he's a very, very good goalkeeper,” said Howe. “I'm a big fan of his, and I think Manchester City are really in a great position with the two goalkeepers that they have.
“They've probably got more than that, but the two ones that have been involved this season, fantastic goalkeepers.”
But the finances involved make a difficult deal to do. Trafford is under contract at Man City until 2023 and NewcastleWorld have already reported his wages as a potential stumbling block.
While Howe won’t admit it in public, a goalkeeper is high on the agenda this summer, not least because second-choice Aaron Ramsdale is only on loan with no guarantee Newcastle will activate his £20m buy option.