Newcastle United’s transfer plans are both clear and ambiguous at the same time.
It is well documented which positions Eddie Howe is targeting, but it is unclear who the Newcastle United manager’s primary targets are.
That is epitomised by the goalkeeper situation. It is obvious that the Magpies are going to have to sign a stopper, but the calibre of which remains unclear.
The likes of Aaron Ramsdale and Giorgi Mamardashvili have been heavily linked, and there have even been reports in Spain that Newcastle have bid £35million for the latter. A move for the Valencia stopper would be quite the statement of intent, although it would raise questions over Nick Pope’s future at St James’ Park.
The 32-year-old is still a very talented goalkeeper, and someone who most fans would be comfortable with being a regular starter next season. He has rarely let the Magpies down during his two years on Tyneside, with injury being the only issue.
Newcastle United could change their goalkeeper plans
And with no European football resulting in fewer games to rotate two high quality goalkeepers, that could influence Newcastle’s approach.
According to the Athletic, Newcastle are considering signing someone as backup for Pope, rather than someone who would directly challenge the England international.
They add that could lead to an approach for Burnley’s James Trafford, with the Athletic reporting that a bid for the 21-year-old is ‘likely’.
James Trafford will divide opinion if Newcastle sign him
Trafford was linked with a move to St James’ Park late last month, with the Daily Mail stating that he could cost £20million.
He would arrive as an obvious number two, but any deal would suggest that Newcastle believe he has the potential to eventually replace Pope and become the Magpies’ number one.
However, it is currently difficult to envision that after the season he endured. Trafford was far from convincing during his debut Premier League campaign, and was unable to help Burnley avoid the drop.
But Trafford would receive support from one current Toon player – Anthony Gordon. They were teammates for the England Under-21s last summer, as they helped the Three Lions win the European Championship.
Both players were pivotal. Gordon won player of the tournament, while Trafford did not concede a single goal during the entire competition. He even made a penalty save in stoppage time of the final, helping England get over the line.
His heroics were praised by Gordon, who described Trafford as ‘outstanding’.
However, the jury would initially be out were Newcastle to make a move for the youngster. Talk of signing someone as talented as Mamardashvili has got Toon fans excited, so ending up with Trafford would probably be seen as a step in the wrong direction.
