Newcastle set to make new push for ‘world-class’ signing who has told them he’s desperate to join

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Newcastle United are set for a new round of talks as they aim to sign Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, sources have told TBR Football.

We understand that Newcastle and Burnley are still not close to a deal for Trafford – but fresh talks are due to take place next week.

Burnley are standing firm on their valuation, which is north of £30m, and sources have confirmed to TBR Football that they have made it clear to both Trafford and Premier League rivals Newcastle that they do not need to sell this summer.

Newcastle have already had a couple of bids rejected in the last month but they feel they are getting close with Trafford despite the Clarets’ determined stance.

The Magpies agreed personal terms with the goalkeeper some time ago – with Trafford agreeing to the move last year – but Newcastle could not agree a deal with Burnley at that time.

Since then, TBR understands that the terms have been updated, and they are now in place on a long-term deal.

James Trafford desperate for Newcastle switch

Trafford had a superb season with Burnley, conceding only 16 goals as the Clarets reached the Premier League.

The 22-year-old is understood to be ready to make the next step in his career, and has long had his eyes on a move to St James’ Park.

TBR understands that Trafford is indeed just waiting for the green light to complete his move, and is desperate to join Newcastle under Eddie Howe.

Howe, for his part, has already made it clear to the club’s hierarchy that he wants Trafford in next season’s squad.

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The Newcastle manager wants to improve the goalkeeping options and firmly believes Trafford is the right man to compete with Nick Pope.

Pope, meanwhile, is understood to have made it clear to Newcastle that he wants to stay and fight for his own place at the club.

Trafford enjoyed ‘world-class’ season

Trafford was a key player for Burnley in 2024/25, enjoying a much-improved second season with the club following relegation from the Premier League the year before.

Clarets manager Scott Parker highlighted the England man’s qualities by hailing him as a ‘world-class’ goalkeeper in April.

“There’s no denying at the beginning of the season, the work we all had to do with Traff and where he was, there was a lot of work,” Parker told BBC Sport.

“He needed to engage in that. He needed to take a breath and take stock and decide where he wanted to be, and to be fair to him, I’ve seen someone mature. There’s no denying that he’s a world-class keeper.”

Talks continue over a deal which could see Trafford become the most expensive English goalkeeper of all time.