Newcastle United have identified Manchester City backup goalie James Trafford as their leading goalkeeper target ahead of the summer transfer window, with a new report strengthening that belief.
“James Trafford has emerged as the top target for Newcastle United amid concerns about their current goalkeeping options,” Football Insider reported on May 14. “The addition of a new goalkeeper has become the ‘top priority’ for the Magpies.”
Former scout Mick Brown, talking to Football Insider, explained why Trafford stands out as the preferred option for the Magpies entering the summer transfer window.
“Newcastle have a lot of positions they are worried about, but the goalkeeping situation there seems to be a major concern,” Brown said. “I don’t think they completely trust either of the options they’ve got at the moment.”
Brown also pointed to issues with both current goalkeepers—Nick Pope and the soon-departing Aaron Ramsdale.
“Nick Pope is a good shot-stopper, but he’s shocking with the ball at his feet, and he makes far too many mistakes,” Brown said. “Ramsdale came into the side for a while but it’s pretty telling that Pope has got the nod as soon as he’s come back.
“That means they’re going to have to find a new goalkeeper as a priority, and Trafford certainly fits the profile of player they are looking for. He’s performed well when called upon for City and he’s part of the England setup,” Brown said. “Trafford is pretty clearly the best available option at the moment.”
Newcastle are not alone in their interest, with several Premier League clubs also monitoring Trafford’s situation ahead of the summer window.
Man City, meanwhile, isn’t expected to just give their young goalie away, and it’s been reported that his salary, along with a high transfer fee, could make a move hard to pull off for Newcastle or whoever is interested in the netminder.