Newcastle United are close to striking a deal for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, according to Ben Jacobs.

Speaking on a podcast over the weekend, the journalist revealed that a deal is “getting quite close to being done” as the club look to sign a young shot-stopper to compete with Nick Pope next season.

Last weekend, it emerged that we’d launched a £16m bid for Trafford. That was turned down, but talks have continued and it sound like we are nearing an agreement to bring the England talent to Tyneside.

Jacobs said: “According to my information, James Trafford to Newcastle is getting quite close to being done. Burnley are pushing for a fee of £20m.” 

Should Trafford arrive, he’d be our third official signing of the summer, with our obligation to buy Lewis Hall activated at £28m and Lloyd Kelly arriving on a free transfer.

The club had been heavily linked with Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili and Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal, but with Trafford younger, likely to cost half the price and a potentially more suitable long-term option to learn from Pope before he eventually steps in as No1, a deal for the 21-year-old could make sense as we continue to safeguard our future.