Newcastle United have already agreed personal terms with £30m ‘world-class’ star wanted by Leeds United
James Trafford, a target for a transfer to Newcastle United, has been praised as a “world-class” custodian due to his excellent play for Burnley in the Championship.
Trafford was important in Burnley’s 2-1 victory over Watford at Vicarage Road on Good Friday, which moved them one step closer to promotion in the Premier League.
With three games left, the Clarets are tied for second position in the Championship table with league leaders Leeds United and five points clear of automatic promotion spots.
This season, Trafford has made 42 appearances for Burnley and allowed only 14 goals while maintaining an incredible 28 clean sheets. Even though Burnley will probably participate in the Premier League the following season, Trafford has been predicted to make a high-profile summer transfer.
Following their unsuccessful effort to recruit Trafford last summer, Newcastle has been scouting him this season.
James Trafford hailed as ‘world-class’ by former Newcastle United captain
Despite Trafford’s lack of Premier League experience, Burnley manager and former Newcastle captain Scott Parker thinks the goalie is “world-class.”
“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 stated on BBC Radio Lancashire.
“He must have done that. To give him credit, I’ve seen someone mature enough to take a deep breath, assess his situation, and determine where he wanted to be. It is indisputable that he is an elite goalie.
“You evaluate keepers in pivotal situations.
“Even when the game is at its worst. He has hardly done anything, and they are down to nine guys. The guy needs to make a save after hitting one from thirty yards out.
“Not sleeping, diligent. He’s just a top, top keeper.”
After the game, Trafford was asked about Parker’s remarks. The goalie was confident and responded, “I know I’m a world class goalkeeper!”
NUFC eye James Trafford transfer from Burnley
Trafford is still Newcastle’s top priority going into the summer transfer season. Burnley, who valued the young custodian at over £20 million, turned down two proposals from the Magpies when they attempted to make an early move for Trafford in June of last year.
Burnley’s promotion rivals Leeds United have also been linked to a move for Trafford this summer as they look to address their goalkeeping situation ahead of a likely Premier League return. However, with Burnley on the verge of promotion and after agreeing personal terms with Newcastle last summer—terms that remain valid ahead of this summer’s transfer window—Trafford is confident he will be playing Premier League football next season. Trafford’s value has increased to over £30 million heading into the summer transfer window after an outstanding season at Turf Moor.
James Trafford’s Premier League ambitions
Regarding his aspirations to return to the top division, Trafford stated on BBC Radio Lancashire: “I think I’ll be in the Premier League next season.”
“It’s where I want to play, it’s obviously the best league in the world. I wanted to get there as quickly as I could and it took two years on loan to develop. I’ve really enjoyed this season in the Championship, but next season I believe I’ll be playing in the Prem.”
In an effort to improve their goalkeeping alternatives, Newcastle will try to reach an agreement with Burnley on a price for Trafford this summer. Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy, and Mark Gillespie are the five senior goalkeepers Eddie Howe currently has available; however, the contracts for the latter two expire in June.