With the expectation that we will return to the Champions League next season, it’s going to be a busy summer preparing the current Newcastle squad for the demand of extra games as well as competing in all competition.

After consecutive windows without first team reinforcements, fans can expect to see fresh faces come in across the defence, midfield and attack.

But one Newcastle legend believe that one of our potential problem areas isn’t as problematic as it seems, and that the club should look to spend money elsewhere this summer.

“There’s other areas that are priority” – Given

Shay Given has recommended that Newcastle don’t sign James Trafford from Burnley just yet, believing that a new goalkeeper signing is something that should be addressed later on.

Speaking on our upcoming summer window, our former star shot-stopper believes Trafford will be an excellent signing, but that the current crop of keepers is more than enough on Tyneside.

“People say they’re linked with other goalkeepers but I don’t think it’s a priority because Dubravka has signed and Nick Pope has a contract,” Given told NewcastleWorld.

“They’ve got quite a few goalkeepers on the books and I think there’s other areas that are a priority.”

Although Trafford has been tipped to come in and compete with Pope for the No.1 spot, Pope’s immediate displacement of the in-form Dubravka upon his return from injury earlier this year would hint that Pope has the starting slot locked down for the foreseeable future.

“It’ll be interesting to see what happens there but, again, I don’t think it’s a priority. Eddie Howe might have different priorities, I don’t know, but he is a brilliant keeper. There’s no getting away from that.”

Is James Trafford the right keeper for Newcastle?

Given is quick to express just how good Trafford would be for the Toon, however, with his recent record and performances putting him perfectly in-line to become a fan favourite of ours.

“He had a tough time when Burnley got promoted, getting dropped towards the second half of the season, but he’s gone away and bounced back unbelievably well this year in the Championship.”

“He’s made so many different clean sheets and big performances as well. I remember him saving two penalties against Sunderland. That was pretty special, so the Newcastle fans will remember that, I’m sure.”

Even though we’ve been tipped to sign Trafford from the Clarets for months now, there are other clubs who could complicate things.

Burnley will be keen to keep ahold of their main man, demanding £20m for his services. Plus, fellow promoted side Leeds United are another club who have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old, where Trafford would immediately take the No.1 spot over Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow.