Arsenal
Aston Villa
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
Everton
Fulham
Leeds United
Liverpool
Manchester City
Manchester United
Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest
Sunderland
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Exclusives
Newcastle don’t want to spend £40m to sign ‘outstanding’ player even though Eddie Howe really wants him
Newcastle United are actively planning to bolster their squad this summer transfer window ahead of the new season.
After dramatically finishing 5th last season on the last day and clinching a Champions League spot, Newcastle are expected to reinforce key areas to compete more effectively both in the Premier League and in Europe.
One position they’re looking to improve upon in particular is the goalkeeping department.
With Nick Pope entering the final year of his contract at 33 and backup Martin Dubravka also at 36 and in a similar contract situation, upgrading the keeper has become a pressing concern for the club.
Newcastle won’t meet James Trafford’s price tag despite Eddie Howe’s wishes
One of the players Newcastle have looked at is Burnley and England goalkeeper James Trafford.
The 22-year-old, who has been described as ‘outstanding‘, is contracted until 2027, played a key role in Burnley’s strong Championship campaign that saw them finish second and secure direct promotion to the Premier League.
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has now revealed that Eddie Howe is really keen on signing Trafford and so are the club, but Newcastle are not willing to meet Burnley’s asking price of above £40m.
Discussing the player’s situation, Bailey stated: “I’m being told £40million is only the starting figure for Burnley. They rate him that highly. So if that’s the case, Newcastle aren’t paying that.
“They do love him. They’ve done the work on him. Eddie Howe wants him. But as it stands, he’s not going to Newcastle at that fee.
“We’ve seen Newcastle. They drew the line in the sand with Mbeumo, they didn’t do that. And so I think Trafford, there’s a good chance he stays at this moment.”
This is not the first time Newcastle have tried to sign him. The Magpies made a bid for Trafford last summer as well but decided against signing him then as Burnley demanded £30m.
His value has only gone on to increase since then after the player performed brilliantly for Burnley, conceding just 16 goals in 45 league games in the Championship.
Trafford has admitted he wanted to join Newcastle last summer, and given the reasons he cited, he would still be keen on a move.
Alternate options for Newcastle if they don’t sign James Trafford
Newcastle have already missed out on Joan Garcia, who turned down an offer from the Magpies to join Barcelona.
Another name who has been linked with a move is Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, with TBR Football recently reporting ter Stegen has been offered to Newcastle and several other Premier League clubs.
TBR Football has also previously reported Newcastle’s interest in Lille’s Lucas Chevalier, claiming that the club has been keeping an eye on the 23-year-old.
It remains to be seen whether Newcastle end up paying for James Trafford or look for other options.