James Trafford, who spent one season at Burnley, may be on the move again this summer due to a trade agreement with Newcastle United. He want to play in the Champions League and represent England.
Newcastle United have ‘reached agreements’ with Trafford on a prospective move to St James’ Park, but are now in talks with Burnley about a cost for the England Under-21 international. Trafford comes to Turf Moor from Manchester City last summer and quickly rose to the top spot under Vincent Kompany in his Premier League debut.
Despite losing his starting spot to Arijanet Muric near the end of the season, Trafford got valuable experience as a first-choice Premier League custodian during his only season with the Clarets, which will serve him well if he moves to St James’ Park this summer. The 21-year-old has already expressed his view that he belongs in the Premier League and told the Daily Mail that he aspires to play at the top level of football, both locally and internationally.
“My long-term goal is to play in the Champions League and for England,” Trafford told the Daily Mail prior to his transfer to Turf Moor last summer. “To qualify for the Champions League, you must be one of England’s top four teams. I feel I will be at that level, whether it is Manchester City or any other great team. Given the opportunity, I’d be able to perform.”
“The most important thing for goalies is to be playing and if you’re not playing it is really tough,” according to Trafford. “Next season, I will play every week. “I can’t sit on the bench.”
If Trafford makes the move to Tyneside this summer, he will most likely serve as Nick Pope’s deputy. Pope, who missed nearly the whole second half of last season with a dislocated shoulder, will be Eddie Howe’s first choice when the new season begins.
Martin Dubravka was charged with replacing Pope in the first team during his injured absence last season. However, the Slovakian has recently been linked with a move away from Newcastle United this summer, with Celtic and Saudi clubs expressing interest.