Newcastle could now sign the perfect James Trafford alternative for £30m, Eddie Howe’s team have scouted him

Mon 21 July 2025 21:45, UK

Newcastle United look set to miss out on the signing of James Trafford, who could instead be returning to Manchester City.

James Trafford is keen on a return to City, as TBR Football revealed, which will leave the Magpies having to search for an alternative target.

Newcastle were keen to sign Trafford, but now Eddie Howe’s team will need to start looking elsewhere, with Nick Pope their current first choice.

The Tyneside club may have already identified the ideal candidate to replace the England youth goalkeeper, having scouted him earlier this year.

Newcastle should target Zion Suzuki after James Trafford rejection

Newcastle United should be looking to sign Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who is one of the hottest goalkeeping prospects in Europe.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a solid debut campaign in Italy as he kept seven clean sheets in 38 matches for Parma.

Italian champions Napoli, Juventus and Fiorentina all failed to score against him in the latter stages of the season.

The Japanese international’s performances saw him attract a great deal of interest, especially from the Premier League.

Zion Suzuki’s league 2024/25 season stats vs James Trafford’s ()

Back in January, TBR Football revealed that Newcastle had scouted Suzuki for several months, and now, he could rise up their list of targets.

West Ham have also made contact with Suzuki, with TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey telling that he will cost £30m.

Another goalkeeper Newcastle have watched is Lucas Chevalier from Lille, with the Frenchman being another to prove himself to be a top goalkeeping talent.

The 23-year-old managed to keep 13 clean sheets last season in all competitions, including against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

The Shot-stopper made five saves while preventing an estimated 1.99 goals against the defending European champions.

His form saw him called up to the French national team for the Nations League Finals, although he is yet to make his debut.

Chevalier is also a target for Aston Villa, so if they do decide to move for him, they are likely to face strong competition for his signature.

Chevalier is certainly another player the Tyneside club should be thinking about if they fail to land Trafford.