Sky Sports claim Newcastle United are 'in talks' over £30m deal - personal terms already agreed

Newcastle United have opened talks with Burnley over a move for goalkeeper James Trafford, according to Sky Sports News.

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

Trafford instead remained 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.

Sky Sports News: Newcastle United in talks over James Trafford deal

Now it’s claimed by Sky Newcastle have returned to the table, with the Clarets valuing Trafford around £30m.

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.

Nick Pope is expected to remain on Tyneside, regardless of Trafford’s potential arrival. Martin Dubravka and Vlachodimos could leave if an offer comes in, while John Ruddy is out of contract on June 30. United are likely to move for former academy graduate Fraser Forster, if Ruddy leaves.

James Trafford wanted Newcastle United in June 2024

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.”

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