Latest developments
- Newcastle United want to sign Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
- The Magpies are lining up a £20 million bid.
- Trafford has conceded just nine times all season in the Championship.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (1.5/5): Sun not the brightest
Newcastle are hunting a new goalkeeper and are lining up a £20 million bid for Burnley's James Trafford in the summer.
This story was picked up by Sky Sports, but broke in The Sun, who are never the most reliable when it comes to transfer news and have not named their sources.
Value (3/5): Burnley not keen on sale
£20 million is a reasonable opening bid considering Trafford's market value of £14.95 million, but with Burnley very much in contention for a return to the Premier League this season, they are unlikely to come to the negotiating table any time soon.
Suitability (2.5/5): Wasn't ready last time
Trafford may have conceded just nine in 22 appearances this season, but he had a torrid time in his debut top flight campaign last season, finding himself dropped as Burnley went down.
A call up to the England squad was testament to his abilities and he is still improving, but the jury is still out as to whether he can cut it at the top.
Upgrade? (3/5): Can he take the gloves from Pope?
The Magpies currently have five goalkeepers on their books, all of whom are 30 and over and only Martin Dubravka is really challenging Nick Pope for the number one spot.
Dubravka is out of contract in the summer, leaving the door open for Trafford to challenge his compatriot, but Pope's form will make it difficult for the 22-year-old to take his place initially.
Logic (1/5): Burnley bouncing back
Yo-yo club Burnley are only a point off the automatic promotion places, thus Trafford already stands a good chance of being a starting Premier League goalkeeper next year.
With Newcastle always on the limit when it comes to PSR rules, a bid of at least £20 million for a back-up ‘keeper makes little sense.
Whisper+ verdict: 11/25
Trafford's next crack at the Premier League is bound to be better than his first and it could well come next season, but perhaps not at St James' Park.
