Newcastle United is seeking to sign ‘enormous talent’ as personal agreements are negotiated.

Andy Cole, a former Newcastle United striker, has supported James Trafford to succeed at St James’ Park.
The Burnley goalkeeper is said to have agreed personal terms on a move to Tyneside, while the two teams negotiate a transfer cost. Discussions have temporarily paused, but are anticipated to resume next month.

Newcastle is now focusing on selling players before June 30 in order to comply with the Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Yankuba Minteh is in advanced talks about a move to French club Lyon, while Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier, and Miguel Almiron are once again linked with moves abroad after receiving interest.

And, with Loris Karius released and Martin Dubravka poised to go, securing a goalkeeper has become a top priority during this summer’s transfer window. Instead of finding a ready-made replacement for Nick Pope, the Magpies are looking for an understudy.

Newcastle’s pursuit of 21-year-old Trafford has sparked mixed sentiments among Burnley fans following their relegation from the Premier League last season. Cole, on the other hand, believes he would make an excellent addition to Eddie Howe’s squad.

“I think he’ll do okay,” said the former Newcastle No.9, who scored 68 goals. “I watched him a lot the season before last at Bolton, and he was terrific for them. Burnley clearly suffered last season, but it couldn’t be blamed solely on him.

“He’s a young goalie with immense talent, and asking for that type of money at such a young age indicates talent. If he did go to Newcastle, he would absolutely not disappoint them.

The club has a few goalkeepers, so who will finally be the number one? We need to wait and see.”

Trafford was just a year ago regarded as one of the country’s most promising young talents after playing a key role in England’s under-21 European Championship victory. He went the entire tournament without giving up a goal, saving a 98th-minute penalty against Spain in the final.

His efforts with the Three Lions and on loan at Bolton Wanderers earned Trafford a £19 million transfer to Burnley. The former Manchester City goalkeeper played the majority of the season but was benched for the final 12 games.