Newcastle United want to sign Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford but faces tough competition from a fierce rival.
The young shot-stopper has been sensational this season and is currently on a run of 12 games without conceding, a record for the Championship.
James Trafford has been on Newcastle’s radar since the start of the season, with the Magpies coming close to signing him last summer before the deal fell through. Sporting director Paul Mitchell is keen to make up for the breakdown in talks last time out by bringing him in at the end of the season.
However, recent reports have now suggested that Manchester United could ‘hijack’ the deal for him as they look for a replacement for Andre Onana who has struggled since joining the Red Devils last season.
The 22-year-old’s form has even been recognised by new England head coach Thomas Tuchel. Reports claim that Trafford could be included in Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming international break in March.
With the news that Newcastle have competition for one of their top targets, a transfer report has stated how those inside the club feel about their chances of signing Trafford.
Newcastle’s chances of signing James Trafford amid Man United links
Trafford made Championship history earlier in February when he reached 1,000 minutes without conceding a single goal. The England international is still yet to concede in 2025, last letting a goal in against Watford in December.
Burnley find themselves third in the Championship under the tutelage of former Newcastle star Scott Parker who has solidified their defence since taking the reins as manager at the beginning of the season.
Man United have also recognised his potential, hence why they want to hijack Newcastle’s move for him in the summer.
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According to GiveMeSport, Newcastle are increasingly confident of being able to get the deal over the line, ending the long-winded transfer saga between the club and the player.
The report suggests that Man United may even sweeten the deal by giving him a chance to become Ruben Amorim’s first-choice goalkeeper. It is believed that Trafford will also battle with Nick Pope for the number one spot on Tyneside.
Trafford has previously played with Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon at the under-21 European Championships in 2023. Trafford saved a stoppage-time penalty in the final to ensure England won the tournament.
Newcastle goalkeepers could be leaving in the summer
With Newcastle looking to add another shot-stopper to their roster, there is a big chance that the Magpies will look to offload some of the goalkeepers they currently have at the club.
Newcastle have five senior goalkeepers on the roster, three of which have not played a single Premier League game this season.
Odysseas Vlachodimos joined Newcastle in the summer but has only played 45 minutes of football this season he could’ve left the club in January with interest from the Saudi Pro League but opted to stay and fight for his place.
Elsewhere, Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy are both out of contract at the end of the season. There has been no news on whether they will both extend their stays on Tyneside.
However, the pair could stay on depending on whether Newcastle qualify for European football. Both players are English and will help towards squad registration for the European competitions.
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