Burnley are determined to fend off any interest for James Trafford until at least the summer as Newcastle United’s interest in the goalkeeper lingers.
The Magpies are set for a busy month in their own goalkeeping department with Martin Dubravka attracting interest from abroad and Nick Pope returning from injury – but those in charge of transfers admire Trafford’s ability down the road. The 22-year-old has played 24 of Burnley’s 25 Championship fixtures this term, missing only one fixture back in August as speculation swirled over a potential Turf Moor exit.
Eddie Howe is not keen on losing Dubravka this month but Trafford is a long-time target of the Toon boss and should Newcastle’s stand-in No 1 depart before the winter window closes, the north east outfit are poised to again explore their interest in the £20m-rated stopper.
Burnley, however, are keen to keep Trafford at the club for a little while longer. This, after conceding just nine goals in 25 Championship matches so far.
Manager Scott Parker ripped up Burnley’s first-team squad and oversaw a mass exodus over the summer but was adamant he didn’t want Trafford to leave the North West then too. The Clarets are sitting pretty in the automatic promotion places in the second tier and have ambitions of keeping their star man between the sticks until the end of the current campaign as they eye a Premier League push.
Speaking recently, Parker said of Trafford: “I’ve said it before, Traffs had a tough time last year but this is the best place for him to be. You’re seeing every bit of a young keeper in development who needs games and needs experience.
“He’s having a very, very good season and he’s learning as he goes along, which is a huge positive for him.”
Howe is keen on bringing the shot-stopper to St James’ Park not only for his ability with his hands but also because of what he can do with the ball at his feet. Newcastle have looked more assured at the back of late, with Dubravka possessing more poise playing out from the back than his co-star Pope.
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