Eddie Howe makes crucial decision on Nick Pope as Newcastle United issue James Trafford update

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United’s interest in James Trafford raises questions regarding Nick Pope’s Toon future.

The 33-year-old has been Newcastle United’s first choice stopper ever since arriving in 2022, but is now being linked with a move away. Leeds United are interested in Nick Pope following their promotion back to the Premier League.

All the while, the Magpies are trying to sign another goalkeeper. Newcastle are going to move for James Trafford, after narrowly missing out on him last summer.

While it will be difficult for Newcastle to sign Trafford, there is a determination to bring him to St James’ Park.

Newcastle United’s plan for Nick Pope and James Trafford

But his potential arrival does not mean that Nick Pope will have to leave.

According to the Times, Eddie Howe actually wants Pope to continue being a Newcastle United player.

• Who is Nick Pope? Get to know the Newcastle United No.1 goalkeeper

The gaffer is keen for Pope to remain on Tyneside, with the idea that Trafford will provide him with competition.

The Times add that Newcastle hope a bid between £25million and £30million will be enough to sign Trafford from newly-promoted Burnley.

James Trafford thinks he is ‘world class’

Pope could still continue to be Newcastle United’s present, but the plan is for Trafford to be the future.

If he does join the Magpies, he will eventually go on to become their first choice goalkeeper. It might happen in a matter of months, or it could be a year or so down the line. No matter the timeframe, the goal will be for him to replace Pope.

Trafford will certainly back himself to do that. After all, the 22-year-old is not a player who lacks confidence.

During an interview in April, Trafford called himself ‘world class’.

“I know I’m a world class goalkeeper,” he said.

“The gaffer is class and, yeah, he told me that last Saturday [that he is world class].

“The gaffer is brilliant. It’s a brilliant win for him and the way he’s set us up and the message he delivered at half-time.”

Trafford played a key role in Burnley winning promotion, keeping 29 Championship clean sheets and only conceding 16 goals in total.

He has enjoyed a spectacular year at Turf Moor, and Newcastle are hoping he will be the latest world class talent to join the likes of Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.