Last night, The Mail’s Craig Hope made some big claims on Newcastle’s ongoing pursuit of Burnley stopper James Trafford.

In his latest Newcastle Confidential piece, the journalist claimed there is now ‘extreme confidence’ behind the scenes that the goalkeeper will sign at St James’ Park this summer.

With Hope offering renewed optimism around his potential arrival on Tyneside, others have now jumped on the story and shared there two pence following Thursday night’s update.

Romano issues Trafford update

After Trafford became the talk of Tyneside last night, Fabrizio Romano has revealed his information on Newcastle’s interest.

The well-known transfer expert claims Newcastle ‘agreed personal terms’ with the 22-year-old last summer and still have a ‘verbal pact’ in place to bring him to St James’ Park.

Romano insists that Trafford is ‘top of the list’ in our search for a new goalkeeper this summer and it sounds like there will be no problems on the player’s side.

In a Friday morning post on X, he said: ‘Newcastle agreed personal terms with James Trafford since summer 2024 and the verbal pact is still valid. He’s still top of the list as new GK for Newcastle next season.’

Both Romano and Hope seem to think that Trafford is set on the move, which feels significant, but we’ll have to hope Burnley’s demands haven’t increased too much given his outstanding form in the Championship this season.

Trafford the ideal Pope replacement?

Trafford is still so young at 22 but has all the tools to become a top goalkeeper, despite having a baptism of fire in his first full season in the Premier League two years ago.

The 6ft 5′ stopper is good with his feet, quick off his line and has been on an incredible run of form under Scott Parker this term, helping Burnley keep 11-straight clean sheets.

He has the potential to be an ideal Nick Pope replacement given his ability to play out from the back, with some believing yesterday’s new deal for Martin Dubravka may point towards a summer exit for Pope, not the Slovakian.