Newcastle have “booked” a medical as they expect to snap up Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford this week, according to TEAMtalk.
It is believed that personal terms have already been agreed with the England Under 21 international.
However, there is still said to be work to do when it comes to finding a compromise on the transfer fee.
The Magpies are hoping to pay £15m for Trafford, but there are reports that suggest that Burnley are keen to get around £20m. There had been suggestions that the Clarets were holding out for £30m but those claims are thought to be erroneous.
Trafford does have other suitors
The likes of Chelsea and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in the former Manchester City player but neither club have tabled a formal bid.
At the moment, Newcastle are the only team who have entered negotiations. Of course, after what happened with Tosin Adarabioyo, the club won’t be taking anything for granted but they appear confident that they will win the race for Trafford.
Why are Newcastle keen on signing Trafford?
The Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules have influenced the Magpies’ decision to go after the 21-year-old. Manager Eddie Howe was initially keen on finding a direct competitor for no.1 Nick Pope.
Both Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili were seriously considered as targets but, with the pair having price tags in the £30m to £35m range, they would have cost a lot more than Trafford.
To limit their financial outlay, the club decided it was prudent to go with the cheapest option. Whether that will prove to be a wise choice in the long run, we shall have to wait and see.
Trafford is a talented young keeper but he does make mistakes so, even if he signs on the dotted line, Pope is set to keep his place in goal.
