JAMES TRAFFORD could be one step closer to moving to Newcastle after Burnley signed a replacement.
The Toon have already failed in a £16m bid for Three Lions prospect Trafford, who was the hero of England’s Under-21 European Championship triumph in 2023.
But they were hopeful of finally getting their man after Burnley signed another goalkeeper, Etienne Green, from French side Saint-Etienne.
The 24-year-old former Young Lion Green was born in Colchester but moved to France at the age of four and rose through the ranks with the Ligue 1 side, making 35 appearances for them.
He signed a three-year contract with the recently relegated Clarets for an undisclosed fee.
Burnley are expecting £30m from Trafford, the same amount they are demanding from Manchester United for team-mate Sander Berge.
Norwegian midfielder Berge, 26, has emerged as a shock United target, with the Red Devils ready to offer him a £100,000-a-week contract.
Trafford were part of Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad for this summer’s Euros and are also being monitored by Chelsea.
And his potential arrival at St James’ Park means Howe’s squad is packed with goalkeepers.
Toon currently has FIVE registered senior holders, including two who have already signed this summer.
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The club signed Odysseas Vlachodimos in a £20 million move from Nottingham Forest.
While John Ruddy also arrived on a free transfer following his departure from Birmingham after the club were relegated to League One.
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Chelsea are reportedly in talks with Napoli over the sale of Romelu Lukakau, while Victor Osimhen could go the other way on loan.
Conor Gallagher is set to join Atletico Madrid in a deal worth £34m.
West Ham are close to agreeing a deal for Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Man City goalkeeper Ederson has revealed that everything is still open regarding his future amid intense links with Saudi Arabia.
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The duo joined Nick Pope, Mark Gillespie and Martin Dubravka to compete in the goalkeeping department.
Pope is Newcastle’s established No. 1, with many tipping him to be a starter for England before injury cut short his last season.
The Trafford signing would make things even busier for Howe and leave question marks over Pope’s future.
SUNSPORT TRANSFER NEWS LIVE
STAY in the loop this summer with The Sun’s transfer experts.
Chelsea are reportedly in talks with Napoli over the sale of Romelu Lukakau, while Victor Osimhen could go the other way on loan.
Conor Gallagher is set to join Atletico Madrid in a deal worth £34m.
West Ham are close to agreeing a deal for Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Man City goalkeeper Ederson has revealed that everything is still open regarding his future amid intense links with Saudi Arabia.
Follow our LIVE TRANSFER BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives.
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