Newcastle United are at least £5m away from signing player who Cole Palmer absolutely adores

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Newcastle United are hoping to enjoy a busy summer transfer window, but are yet to make a breakthrough.

It is not for the lack of trying. Newcastle United have made moves for Anthony Elanga, Joao Pedro and James Trafford, but they have all fallen short.

However, the Magpies are not giving up, particularly when it comes to Trafford.

Newcastle are going to make a new bid for Trafford, after their opening offer of £25million was turned down by Burnley.

For Eddie Howe to strike a deal, PIF are going to have to write a bigger cheque.

How much James Trafford is going to cost Newcastle United

That is according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who has spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about Newcastle United’s interest in Trafford.

According to Bailey, it will cost at least £30million to get the 22-year-old out of Turf Moor.

“Talks are ongoing between the two clubs,” he said.

“Newcastle are still some way off the asking price. Burnley are not accepting less than £30million for James Trafford. It’s as simple as that.

“Newcastle think they can get him for under £30million, but the deal is going to have to start with a three.”

• Who is James Trafford? Meet the record-breaking goalkeeper close to Newcastle United transfer

The ‘only thing’ that could stop Newcastle United signing James Trafford

Despite not agreeing a transfer fee with Burnley, it has been reported that Newcastle have agreed personal terms with Trafford.

As it stands, Newcastle look very likely to bring Trafford to Tyneside, with the player’s price tag the only thing standing in Eddie Howe’s way.

That is the belief of Bailey, who has suggested that the only way the situation could change is if another club rivals the Magpies for his signature.

“I think the only thing that stops it is if another club comes in,” he said.

“That does not seem likely at the minute.

“He is the goalkeeper that Newcastle want. Eddie Howe has wanted him for a long time. I do expect him to make the move, but we appear to be going the long way around when it comes to agreeing a fee.”

Cole Palmer will approve Newcastle United’s pursuit of James Trafford

Newcastle’s pursuit of Trafford comes two years after the biggest moment in his young career.

The goalkeeper was part of the England Under-21s side that won the European Championship in 2023, alongside current Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon and Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer.

Trafford played a huge role in the final, saving a last-minute penalty from Spain to preserve England’s 1-0 lead and ensure Lee Carlsey’s side lifted the trophy.

The young Three Lions celebrated wildly, while Palmer had already predicted what was going to happen. Speaking on the touchline just seconds before Spain’s penalty, Palmer said: “I bet you he [Trafford] saves this.”

After his prediction came true, Palmer added: “Do you know how good this guy is?! Do you know how good he is?!”

Newcastle United know exactly how good he is and how much better he can become. That is why they want to sign him, but that will only happen if they increase their offer to at least £30million.