'Whatever' - James Trafford responds to Newcastle United transfer talk amid personal terms agreement claim

Newcastle United transfer target James Trafford has responded to talk surrounding his future — saying “whatever happens will happen”.

The 22-year-old has played a starring role in Burnley’s Championship promotion winning campaign, keeping 29 clean sheets and conceded just 15 goals. That includes keeping 12 consecutive clean sheets between December and March.

Trafford won the league’s player of the month in January, a month where he saved two penalties in the same against Sunderland. At the EFL Awards on Sunday, his efforts were further recognised after being named in the Championship’s team of the season.

"Every year throughout my professional career I've tried to improve my game and myself and luckily this year there's a lot of stats that indicate I have," Trafford told BBC Sport.

"But last season I improved so much and the season before, so it's not a surprise that I've done well this season and improved because every day I try to get better. It's just that everyone is seeing the numbers and stats that show that."

James Trafford responds to transfer speculation

Trafford joined the Clarets for £19million from Manchester City in July 2023. He was thrust into Premier League action and endured a tough time, conceding 62 goals in 28 games before being dropped in the final 10 matches.

But had things turned out differently last summer then Trafford would remained in England’s top-flight. Newcastle had a £16million bid rejected last June as Burnley held out for upwards of £20m.

It’s understood Trafford agreed personal terms over a move to St James’ Park and that “verbal pact is still valid” according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. It’s been strongly that Newcastle will reignite their interest this summer but Trafford says he isn’t paying attention to the noise.

When asked about his future, Trafford said: "I've got an incredibly good circle around me. It's very small but it's incredibly good. When the season ends I'll go on holiday and relax from football and then I'll start getting ready for the national team in the summer," he added.

"I don't go on my phone too much. I'm not naive enough to say I don't see any of the noise around me but it doesn't bother me. Whatever happens will happen. I've done all I can this season."

James Trafford labelled ‘world-class’ by Burnley boss Scott Parker

Earlier in the campaign, Burnley boss Scott Parker tipped Trafford to become England’s number one in the future. And the former Newcastle captain has continued to wax lyrical about the Cumbrian, recently labelling him as “world-class” following his wonder save in the 2-1 win at Watford on April 18.

“Incredible save,” Parker said. “Best save by... I mean, you could put it down as sort of an assist really, because from that, we then go and score a goal.

“A really big moment, a big moment for him - the sign of a top, top world-class goalkeeper, really, that at times, and even in the second half, when he's pretty redundant, really, but he has to come up with big saves in big moments, collect balls from crosses.

“Not just today, you're seeing someone who, for large parts, for the majority of this season, has been top draw for us.”

Parker’s comments were then put to Trafford. Not short of confidence, he replied said: “I know I'm a world-class goalkeeper!"

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