Newcastle United have long been linked with a move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
Trafford has enjoyed a remarkable campaign for Burnley, boasting a brilliant record in goal as the Clarets sealed a quick-fire return to the Premier League under former Newcastle United midfielder Scott Parker.
Indeed, Trafford has described himself as “world class”, having only conceded 15 goals in 44 games for the Championship side this season.
Newcastle have agreed personal terms with Trafford but Burnley of course hold all the cards when it comes to actually signing the 22-year-old. Now back in the Premier League, it remains to be seen if their promotion impacts their chances of keeping the custodian.
Despite the sheer number of links, however, former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given believes the club may not actually need to sign Trafford.
Shay Given pours cold water on James Trafford to Newcastle
The former Republic of Ireland international was speaking to Newcastle World.
He suggested that the fact Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka and a number of other goalkeepers are in the Newcastle United squad mean signing Trafford is not a “priority”.
“People say they’re linked with other goalkeepers but I don’t think it’s a priority because Dubravka has signed and Nick Pope has a contract,” he said.
“They’ve got quite a few goalkeepers on the books and I think there’s other areas that are a priority.”
Still, Leeds are interested in Pope and Dubravka is expected to leave Newcastle this summer despite recently signing a new contract.
James Trafford has already sent a public message to Newcastle
Trafford has been touted as a Toon target for what feels like an age now.
Manchester United have also been linked with Trafford, which is perhaps no surprise given the performances he’s been putting in for Burnley this season.
However, amid all the links with a move away, Trafford insists he’s not thinking about a potential move to Newcastle.
| Games | Goals Conceded | Save Percentage | Clean Sheet Percentage |
| 44 | 15 | 84.8% | 65.9% |
Speaking at the EFL Awards on Sunday night, the goalkeeper 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.”
Sadly, Burnley are now naturally in a much stronger position now they’re back in the Premier League. It remains to be seen if Newcastle revisit their interest this summer.
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