Newcastle United fans have noticed that a player high on the list of Eddie Howe’s transfer targets is missing from his club’s training camp.
After the signing of Anthony Elanga, speculation is growing over who Newcastle United could be signing next.
The feeling is that Newcastle will look to sign a striker after Elanga, with William Osula the only senior player in the first team as backup to Alexander Isak. However, Eddie Howe is eager to add more quality to other positions in his starting XI.
One of those positions is goalkeeper. Despite Newcastle already having six shot-stoppers on the books, Howe is eager to add another talented young keeper to his squad.
It is common knowledge that James Trafford is a top target at Newcastle, with the Magpies already placing bids for him this summer. Most recently, Burnley rejected Newcastle’s £26million bid for Trafford, with the belief that the Clarets are looking for much more to let him go.
With Burnley now in Portugal for pre-season, Newcastle fans have noticed a lack of Trafford in their recent social media posts.
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Newcastle United fans think James Trafford deal is close after not being seen during Burnley camp
Like most other Premier League players, Trafford returned to pre-season training last week ahead of the 2025/26 season. However, the 22-year-old is mysteriously missing from recent images and videos posted on Burnley’s social media accounts.
Videos and pictures showed the players out on a bike ride in Portugal, but Trafford was nowhere to be seen.
“Burnley have put quite a lot of content and pics on their socials and website today and Trafford doesn’t appear in any of them!” said one fan, while another added: “Even when you go onto their website on the pictures he isn’t on any either.”
This Newcastle fan is sick of the speculation, saying: “Hope we can just get this one done and put to bed and onto the next.”
“NO TRAFFORD HE’S COMING.” said this convinced Newcastle fan.
Another fan added: “He was there (in training) the first day then hasn’t been in any gallery since.”
Finally, this Newcastle fan said: “This is taking too long…”
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What Newcastle United need to offer Burnley for James Trafford
It is clear Burnley are digging their heels in over Trafford; they realise a very promising goalkeeper will be leaving them, so they will do whatever it takes to keep him.
Burnley think Trafford will be England’s next No.1, so it is clear they will not let him go easily.
The belief is that Newcastle are still not yet at the valuation Burnley want for Trafford, suggesting the deal could still be dragging on. Geordie Boot Boys understands Newcastle must pay at least £30m for Trafford upfront, with add-ons taking the deal towards £40m.
Howe would have ideally had Trafford in by now ahead of the first pre-season friendly against Celtic, but that now looks like it will be a very tough task.
Personal terms are not an issue between Newcastle and Trafford; it is just a case of getting the right fee for the player to make the move happen.
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