Exclusive: Nick Pope "question mark" raised as Newcastle United push to sign Burnley's James Trafford | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, ex-Wycombe hero and pundit Joe Jacobson has been speaking on the possible Nick Pope, James Trafford Newcastle battle.

Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford has enjoyed one of the most impressive campaigns from a Championship shot-stopper in recent memory.

The 22-year-old has picked the ball out of his net just 11 times in 37 league appearances so far this season, and has been called up to Thomas Tuchel's England squad for their World Cup qualifiers this month.

However, with Scott Parker's side still battling for automatic promotion, the Clarets could be in for a challenging summer when it comes to retaining his services, regardless of whether they're operating as a Championship or Premier League club.

"Sign him to play" - Joe Jacobson drops James Trafford, Nick Pope claim amid Burnley, Newcastle transfer talk

His outstanding displays in the Burnley goal haven't gone unnoticed by some of English football's top clubs either.

Manchester United have been credited with an interest in him, as have recently crowned Carabao Cup winners, Newcastle United. As such, the young keeper looks set to have a big decision on his hands come the end of the season.

Should he make a move to the Magpies, he could face stiff competition from fellow England international Nick Pope.

As such, we asked former Wycombe Wanderers hero and pundit, Joe Jacobson: 'Do you think James Trafford would be making the right move if he did leave Burnley for Newcastle? Do you fear he may struggle to get game-time with Nick Pope there?'

Speaking exclusively with Football League World, Jacobson said: "No, I don't think he would struggle at Newcastle, James Trafford, if he went there.

"I think he proved himself last season in the Premier League that he's a good goalkeeper, and this season especially, breaking records left, right, and centre for Burnley.

"Got himself a call-up to the England squad ahead of Nick Pope. So, I think it's a case of he'd want to go and play at Newcastle.

"I think Newcastle, as well as Nick Pope's done - he's been a fantastic goalkeeper -, there's always been a question mark about him playing out, the way football is played now, and is he good enough with the ball at his feet?

"James Trafford certainly is. So, it would be a case of, if Newcastle wanted to go down that direction, I think it's a case of you sign him to play. He's a very different goalkeeper to Nick Pope, so I think if he was going to move, I think he's going to move to the Premier League.

"I think a team like Newcastle would be great for him. But, he'd have to have the assurances that he was going to be the number one goalkeeper."

Burnley could use regular game-time guarantee to convince Trafford of Turf Moor stay with World Cup on the horizon

Judging from this season's evidence, it looks obvious that Trafford has outgrown Championship football.

He's taken his game to another level this term, and Burnley boast arguably the best defence the second tier has ever seen, thanks in large part to his performances.

At 22, Trafford is still very much in the infancy of his career, but time moves fast, and now clearly in Tuchel's England plans, he will no doubt want to ensure he stays there ahead of the World Cup next summer.

Therefore, should Burnley fail to win promotion, then a move to the top flight appears inevitable. But should the Clarets retake their seat among English football's elite, then he may be better served staying at Turf Moor for another campaign with the World Cup in mind.

Should he move to a club like Newcastle, there's a risk that he may not receive regular football next term, and that could cost his England selection chances dearly.

However, he would surely be untouchable as Burnley's number one in the top flight next term, and even if the Clarets endure a challenging season, starting week-in, week-out in the Premier League would surely do his chances of being on the plane the world of good.

An interesting few months in the career of Trafford await.