Newcastle United are not quite as likely to sign James Trafford as they once were, but a deal is not off either.
However, the hope was that James Trafford would have signed for Newcastle United by now. That has been the expectation all summer, with Trafford agreeing personal terms with Newcastle.
The issue has been agreeing a price with Burnley, who do not need to sell their star goalkeeper.
He could still leave, however, with Manchester City interested in Trafford. He is interested in re-joining them too, as they consider activating his buyback clause.
That has threatened to derail Newcastle’s goalkeeper plan, but there could suddenly be a ray of hope for the Magpies.
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If Burnley do sell Trafford, they will need to sign a replacement.
That is where Newcastle United could come back into the conversation, as Sky Sports report that Burnley are interested in Martin Dubravka.
Sky Sports claim that Manchester City’s backup stopper Stefan Ortega is also an option for the Clarets, as they weigh up who to target if Trafford leaves.
That could depend on where Trafford goes. After all, Man City’s interest in him is dependent on one of their current goalkeepers leaving the club.
Alternatively, Burnley’s interest in Dubravka could strengthen Newcastle’s negotiating position. While the 36-year-old is not going to command much of a fee, including him in the deal could help the Magpies get Trafford for a reduced price.
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Dubravka’s Newcastle United future is intrinsically linked to what happens to Trafford.
It was reported earlier this summer that Dubravka is expected to leave Newcastle if Trafford arrives. That makes sense, as Eddie Howe already has a surplus of senior goalkeepers at St James’ Park.
Trafford joining would mean Newcastle have six senior goalkeepers, which would be a ridiculous amount. Dubravka would be the most likely to leave, as Nick Pope is still a key player, Odysseas Vlachodimos will not be sold for PSR reasons, and Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy just signed contract extensions.
Dubravka would be the odd one out, but the chance for him to join Burnley and be their first choice could be an ideal solution.
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