Newcastle United pursuit of James Trafford could now be over – Report | OneFootball

James Trafford has been one of the very public longstanding transfer targets for Eddie Howe.

Indeed, last summer (2024) personal terms had been agreed, but in the end agreement between Newcastle United and Burnley couldn’t be reached.

Following that window, James Trafford himself later said how disappointed he had been that the transfer hadn’t been able to be completed.

The young keeper wasn’t distracted by this disappointment, going on to record 29 clean sheets last season as Burnley only conceded 16 goals in 46 matches (Trafford started 45 of the 46 games).

This summer has seen a repeat of last summer, personal terms reportedly agreed with Newcastle United but no agreement possible as yet with Burnley. United reported to have had an offer of just under £30m turned down.

The matter complicated by the fact that Manchester City sold James Trafford to Burnley for £15m plus future add-ons and are entitled to a percentage of any profit, whilst part of that move to Burnley also saw Man City reportedly with a £40m buyback clause as well.

Saturday morning has seen an update from Craig Hope of The Mail, he says that his information is that Newcastle United are now prepared to move on from their attempts to sign the 22 year old.

The man from The Mail says that the deal isn’t dead yet but time set to be called on it shortly if no agreement possible AND that Newcastle United won’t be looking elsewhere necessarily for an alternative to James Trafford.

Hope says that his understanding is that Eddie Howe and Newcastle United are comfortable with the current goalkeeping situation, with Martin Dubravka as back up to Nick Pope. So not essential to look for another option.

I suppose key to all of this is how James Trafford feels about it all himself, whether he will be keen to push for a compromise to be reached, if he is indeed keen to come to St James’ Park.