Newcastle United have turned their attention to other transfer targets after signing Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest.
With the summer transfer window in full swing, Eddie Howe is eager to make up for lost deals over the last 12 months. PSR has been a nightmare for the Magpies, but they are now past the worst of it and are making moves in the transfer market.
Newcastle United have announced the signing of Anthony Elanga after agreeing a deal worth up to £55million for the winger. He has been a long-term target for Howe, who did not take no for an answer after two failed approaches in the past.
After Elanga, Newcastle are looking to sign a striker following confirmation that Callum Wilson was not renewing his contract.
In the meantime, talks have been bubbling away for players in other positions. Sky Sports News’ Pete Graves has now said that he thinks a player heavily linked with a move to Tyneside is desperate to link up with Howe.
Pete Graves backs James Trafford to join Newcastle United
Newcastle are seriously interested in signing James Trafford after his record-breaking season with Burnley. The shot-stopper kept 29 clean sheets in the Championship last season to help the Clarets back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
It has been reported that Newcastle are advancing in talks for Trafford, but a deal has not yet been reached with Burnley. Trafford has already agreed on personal terms with Newcastle, so there should not be any issues once a transfer fee is finalised. It is believed Burnley are looking for as much as £40m for Trafford, much more than the £16m fee agreed in 2024.
With Howe eager to sign one of his long-term targets, Graves has given his view on whether the deal will eventually go through.
“Yeah I do actually (think Trafford will join Newcastle),” he said on the Loaded Mag podcast.
“I think he’s absolutely perfect for us. No disrespect to Burnley fans, but I think the player’s desperate. I think Eddie Howe’s decided that he’s the one he wants long-term.
“He’s just a perfect fit. He’s so great with his feet. He’s a great shot-stopper. He’s great competition for Nick Pope. I do feel it gets done. I don’t think they’re far away, actually, and it’s a good deal. I think it does happen, but it’s taking a long time.
“So how long will Newcastle wait is the question.”
A Newcastle United goalkeeper could leave if James Trafford signs
If the deal for Trafford gets done, Newcastle will have a handful of goalkeepers to choose from. However, it means that one or two of them will likely leave the club to find game time elsewhere.
Nick Pope is set to stay at Newcastle, despite links with Leeds United. The same cannot be said for others.
- Who is James Trafford? Meet the record-breaking goalkeeper close to Newcastle United transfer
It has been reported that Newcastle are likely to sell Martin Dubravka if Trafford arrives. The 36-year-old, who signed a new deal in February, wants more first-team football, which he is very unlikely to get on Tyneside.
Elsewhere, Newcastle are happy to loan out Odysseas Vlachodimos. The Greece international has played just 45 minutes of football for the Magpies in a Carabao Cup game against Wimbledon.
John Ruddy has signed a new deal with Newcastle, though it has not been officially announced. Mark Gillespie’s contract was also extended for another year.
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