James Trafford is certainly an interesting transfer target for Newcastle United.
On the face of it, Newcastle do not appear to need a new goalkeeper this summer. Indeed, Eddie Howe has five options on the books as it stands, albeit two of those have been tipped to leave before the end of the transfer window.
Having so far failed to land the central defender and right winger they are reportedly chasing, signing yet another goalkeeper does seem somewhat strange.
Still, Trafford has consistently been linked with a move to St James’ Park.
Now, reports from talkSPORT suggest the club have reopened talks with Burnley in an attempt to get a deal over the line.
It’s said that Newcastle hope to sign the 21-year-old on loan ahead of an obligation to buy next summer.
With the deal potentially back on, it’s worth remembering what former Clarets boss Vincent Kompany said about Trafford last season.
The prediction Vincent Kompany made about James Trafford
Kompany actually dropped Trafford in March following a draw with West Ham, just before the former Manchester City youngster was called up to the England squad for the first time.
Reacting to the call-up at the time despite losing his place at club level, Kompany predicted that Trafford would go on to become a fine goalkeeper for the Three Lions at senior level.
“I’ve told you this so many times about the fact he will be a very good goalkeeper for England,” he said (via the Burnley Express).
“You say a lot was made of it [dropping Trafford], but from my side nothing was made of it.
“It’s two very good goalkeepers and it’s all about the team right now. Every decision we make is for one goal and one goal only and it’s to stay up. There’s really nothing else that comes into play at the moment.”
James Trafford has admirers at Newcastle
Kompany is not the only person to talk in glowing terms about Trafford’s talent.
Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon won the U21 European Championships alongside the ‘keeper last summer and hailed him as “outstanding”.
While it would be difficult for Trafford to replace Nick Pope as Newcastle’s No.1 this season should he join, it seems the club would be getting a highly rated long-term successor.
The move makes sense, even if other areas are currently more pressing…
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