Newcastle United have been handed fresh encouragement over James Trafford.
Trafford has long been linked with a move to Newcastle United, and his future at Manchester City looks uncertain after quickly losing his place earlier this season following the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
It was a saga that dominated the early part of the summer transfer window from a Newcastle perspective, and it seems as if it could all happen again.
Newcastle led to believe that James Trafford wants to join them
According to The Daily Telegraph, Newcastle have been led to believe that the Man City goalkeeper wants to join them.
Indeed, taking that at face value, it arguably puts the ball firmly in Newcastle’s court.
Trafford, after all, is not just another goalkeeper on a shortlist. The 23-year-old is a player Eddie Howe has admired for a long time, and Newcastle have previously tried hard to bring him to St James’ Park.
Newcastle seemingly have the encouragement they wanted last summer, but they must also learn from their mistakes.
The Magpies previously worked on a deal for Trafford for more than 12 months. At one stage, Trafford told people he was set to join Newcastle.
Instead, Manchester City stepped in. Unsurprisingly, Trafford rejected Newcastle and agreed to return to his former club after a brilliant season for Burnley.
That was a painful outcome for Newcastle. They had done so much groundwork, only to watch City move decisively during a summer in which PIF made key decisions at glacial speed.
Newcastle must take decisive action over James Trafford for once
Almost a year on and it’s clear that Newcastle still need a new goalkeeper. Aaron Ramsdale is only on loan, while Nick Pope has struggled for consistency.
Newcastle need clarity in goal, like in so many other areas of the club right now.
Either Newcastle believe Trafford is worth the effort, or they do not. What they cannot do is let another summer drift while the same familiar target dominates the conversation.
If Trafford genuinely wants Newcastle, the Magpies should set their price, test Manchester City’s stance and move with conviction.
If the deal becomes too expensive, they must walk away early and target someone else.
The ball is in their court now. They just need to make sure they do not get burned again.