Newcastle move complicated by 20% clause after transfer talks - Report

As reported by the Northern Echo, Newcastle United’s potential move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is being hampered by Manchester City’s sell-on clause.

Trafford only joined Burnley last summer for a fee in the region of £19m, but their recent relegation means that the young shot-stopper is now looking for a move back to the Premier League, and Newcastle are in pole position.

One big problem, however, is that Man City have a 20% sell-on clause, meaning a chunk of Newcastle's offer will be heading to the Etihad. As a result, Burnley rejected our opening bid in the region of £16m, which was thought to be made up of a series of clauses. 

Instead, the Championship club are hoping to get £20m back for the 21-year-old and what the vast majority of that fee to be paid up front, which is causing issues for Newcastle given large parts of our £16m bid contained staggered payments and clauses.

However, it’s understood that Newcastle are still confident that they can get this deal done ahead of their pre-season training, with new goalkeepers on the agenda now Martin Dubravka is expected to follow Loris Karius out of the exit door.