One of James Trafford’s closest friends is in the Newcastle United squad, but hasn’t played for them in 13 months

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James Trafford remains a Newcastle United transfer target this summer. 

Indeed, Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Newcastle are prepared to pay £30million for Trafford, although Burnley are in a strong negotiating position. 

The Clarets were promoted to the Premier League under former Toon midfielder Scott Parker last season, thanks in large part to Trafford’s excellence in goal. 

Trafford wants to join Newcastle but it remains to be seen if the clubs can agree a fee. 

Interestingly, one of the goalkeeper’s best friends is already in the Newcastle United squad. 

• READ MORE: Newcastle United announcement suddenly starts to make sense as more news on James Trafford comes out

Joe White is one of James Trafford’s closest friends  

Speaking to Cumbria News and Star in 2021, Trafford revealed that Newcastle midfielder Joe White is in fact one of his close friends. 

Eddie Howe gave White his Premier League debut in February 2024, though he hasn’t made a first-team appearance since a one-minute cameo against Crystal Palace 13 months ago, in April of that year. 

Newcastle loaned White to MK Dons during the 2024-25 season, where he made 34 League Two appearances and scored six goals.  

The pair are both from Carlisle and have represented England at youth level.

How many goals did James Trafford concede last season?

The 22-year-old conceded only 16 goals in 45 games for the Turf Moor side as they finished second behind Leeds in the Championship table.

Trafford also saved two penalties in one game against Sunderland in January 2025, which would have no doubt endeared him to Newcastle supporters. 

Such was the level of his form last season, Trafford was hailed as a “world class” goalkeeper. 

Whether or not that would translate into a Premier League setting is unclear. Still, what is obvious is that he’s rebuilt himself in impressive fashion following his last stint at truly elite level during Burnley’s nightmare 2023/24 campaign under Vincent Kompany.