"The player himself is really keen" - Top Newcastle target wants to sign this summer

It's believed one of Newcastle United's key summer targets is “really keen” on a move to St James' Park this summer. 

We're not even at the midway point in May but transfer rumours are already picking up, with thee likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap linked as we bid to bolster our squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.

A right-sided centre-back is also considered a priority signing this summer with Marc Guehi, Dean Huijsen and Ilia Zabarnyi all being touted as potential options to pair with Sven Botman in the long term.

Only one name has stuck when discussing an incoming goalkeeper, which is of course James Trafford, and a move for the Burnley shot-stopper is definitely one to keep an eye on this summer, as Craig Hope reports.

Toon target "really keen" to sign

Burnley's James Traffordis thought to remain "really keen" on a move to St James' Park after coming close to arriving last summr, according to Craig Hope.

The Daily Mail’s North East reporter sounded confident that a deal could happen this summer, although the last potential stumbling block may be Burnley’s asking price now promotion has been secured.

Trafford has been outstanding this season, breaking records with 30 clean sheets and a couple of penalty saves in a standout display against Sunderland earlier this year. But will he end up on Tyneside after all?

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Hope said: "James Trafford is one Newcastle will absolutely try to do. Now, Burnley's promotion in terms of affecting the asking price, let's wait and see on that.

"But Newcastle do want a new goalkeeper. I think it's been the want and the need now, for a while, to evolve, to bring in a ball player who would act as that fifth defender.

"Nick Pope has been a fantastic signing and a really important player, a good character. Pope will still probably have a huge say in Newcastle making the Champions League or not in the remaining four matches.

"But nonetheless, I know James Trafford is a player they have identified. It very nearly happened (last summer) and the player himself is really keen on it, so wait and see on that front."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsgYlmAAkP8&ab_channel=ultrasfctvShorts

Ball-playing goalkeeper could be transformative

Newcastle need to shake-up their overloaded goalkeeping department this summer regardless of any incomings, but a ball-playing man between the sticks would transform our style of play.

There are few better shot stoppers in the Premier League than Nick Pope, who made two vital saves in Sunday's 2-0 win over Chelsea.

However, Pope's ability with his feet leaves a lot to be desired with poor distribution often limiting our ability to play out from the back, especially when opposition sides look to press.

James Trafford fits the bill as one smarter with his feet, without forfeiting too much in goal. The 22-year-old leads the Championship’s clean sheet charts conceding just 16 goals this season, and leading the division’s goalkeepers save % stopping 84.5% of the shots he faced in the league campaign.