Newcastle United transfer target left out of squad - has already agreed personal terms
James Trafford wasn’t named in Burnley’s squad for their Carabao Cup tie away to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night.
Fresh reports this week claim Newcastle United are considering a fresh approach for the former Manchester City goalkeeper, although it is dependent on others leaving.
The Magpies first attempted to sign the 21-year-old in mid-June when the Clarets rejected a £16million bid, instead demanding north of £20m. Trafford had reportedly agreed personal terms but a transfer didn’t progress as circumstances changed.
With United in desperate need to raise funds before June 30 to avoid breaching Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), Yankuba Minteh was sold to Brighton & Hove Albion and academy graduate Elliot Anderson joined Nottingham Forest for a combined £68million.
As part of Anderson’s £35m switch to the City Ground, Newcastle agreed to sign Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos for an undisclosed fee while they also announced the capture of John Ruddy on a one-year contract after he left Birmingham City.
As it stands, Eddie Howe’s squad has five senior goalkeepers, including Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka Mark Gillespie. They retain an interest in Trafford and could revisit a move if Dubravka or Vlachodimos leaves.
Dubravka has missed the past two games against AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest after suffering concussion in training, while Vlachodimos has been left out of the squad altogether with Ruddy used as back-up to Pope.
It’s understood Vlachodimos could leave on loan with Anderlecht showing interest while speculation has surrounded Dubravka’s future all summer.
Trafford wasn’t involved in the squad as Clarets lost 2-0 to Wolves. He was, however, present at Molineux and helped warm up fellow goalkeepers Vaclav Hladky and Etienne Green.