Newcastle lining up £20million James Trafford transfer but Burnley set to push back on England star leaving
NEWCASTLE UNITED are lining up a £20million move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
The England Under-21 star has impressed in the Championship this season at the Clarets.
Trafford, 22, has kept 13 clean sheets in his 22 league outings, with only nine efforts going past him.
SunSport understands that Burnley will do its best to stop the player from leaving the club before the summer.
The Clarets are currently third in the Championship, just three points behind league leaders Leeds.
Manager Scott Parker believes Trafford is a key part of the club’s push for promotion back to the Premier League.
Newcastle have been long-term admirers of Trafford and saw a £15m bid rejected for him last summer.
His asking price is likely to be closer to £20m now.
If Burnley were to accept an offer in that region, then it could give Parker a cash injection to invest in his squad.
The former Fulham and Bournemouth boss could then bolster his squad in the January window to boost their promotion credentials.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
The club could then put faith in stopper Vaclac Hladky who has been the number two at Turf Moor this season.
The 34-year-old played a crucial role in Ipswich Town‘s promotion to the Prem last season.
He played in every game as the Tractor Boys sealed automatic promotion.
Newcastle currently have Nick Pope as the No.1 as well as Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie as backup options.
Vlachodimos was signed from Nottingham Forest in the summer window but has only made one appearance in the EFL Cup.
The Magpies also have an interest in Aaron Ramsdale and may look to sign the Southampton stopper if they are relegated.
Who are these famous footballers?
- I was West Ham captain but I almost went to jail over bankruptcy
- I’m a former Man Utd star and I once stole a girl from Ronaldo
- I’m an ex-Man Utd star – now I own a dog-themed B&B
- I was Thierry Henry’s toughest opponent but quit to become a pastor
- I’m a former Wolves striker but I left football behind to become a vicar