'Said yes' - Newcastle United 'expected' to sign England international as bid submitted

Newcastle United have turned their attention to another English goalkeeper after missing out on James Trafford.

The Magpies spent the best part of a year attempting to sign Trafford from Burnley but their delay in agreeing a transfer eventually proved costly as it allowed Manchester City - armed with a number of clauses - to make their move.

Trafford was set to sign last summer but a deal was pulled when Newcastle were forced to accept signing Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos as part of the PSR-swindle with Nottingham Forest that saw Elliot Anderson head in the opposite direction.

United re-opened talks with the Clarets earlier this summer and were at one stage close to agreeing a fee. However, progress slowed when Man City expressed their interest in re-signing the 22-year-old.

James Trafford set to re-join Manchester City

It was widely known that Man City had negotiated a £40million buy-back clause and a 20% future sell-on fee when selling Trafford to Burnley in 2023. However, there was a hidden clause that allowed the Citizens to match any accepted bid.

So when the Magpies had a £27m bid accepted last week, Pep Guardiola’s side exercised their matching rights. Trafford is due to undergo his medical early this week before signing a five-year contract, which includes an option of a further year.

Newcastle United move for Aaron Ramsdale

As mentioned by NewcastleWorld on May 30, Newcastle retained an interest in Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Eddie Howe, along with his coaching staff, worked with the player and rated him highly during their AFC Bournemouth days.

And according to The Athletic, Newcastle are now working on a deal to sign Ramsdale having submitted an offer for an initial loan with an obligation to buy. The Saints’ preference would be for a straight sale but in the event of a loan move would want to secure a significant loan fee.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also reported on the story, claiming a deal is expected to happen with the five-capped England international already saying yes to the switch.

Romano wrote on X: “Aaron Ramsdale already said yes to Newcastle and official bid has been sent to Southampton. High loan fee, salary covered and buy option clause. Southampton open to accepting but want higher fee. Deal expected to happen.”

Newcastle United goalkeeper situation

Nick Pope is Newcastle’s current number one and while the 33-year-old is highly commended for his shot-stopping, having a goalkeeper comfortable with the ball at his feet is viewed as crucial to the evolution of the team and how it wants to play.

Pope doesn’t quite possess that ability, hence the Magpies’ search for another goalkeeper. There is, however, no desire to lose Pope, who attracted interest from Leeds United earlier in the summer.

Newcastle are well-stocked in terms of goalkeepers. Although Pope is expected to stay, the arrival of another could see somebody else leave.

Martin Dubravka was close to joining Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab in January before United convinced the Slovakian to sign a new contract after impressing during Pope’s absence. As reported by NewcastleWorld, Odysseas Vlachodimos is allowed to leave on loan.

There’s also John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie, though the pair are pretty much used as training ground goalkeepers, while 20-year-old Max Thompson is currently with Howe’s squad in South Korea.

YOUR NEXT READ: Newcastle United reach transfer agreement as midfielder omitted from pre-season tour squad.

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