Steve Nickson sent to see England U21 star and Championship winger watched - Report

It’s been a fairly slow start to Newcastle United’s January transfer window so far, though that’s not exactly unexpected these days when we haven’t completed a major signing since summer 2023.

There’s a few names going around at the moment, both incomings and outgoings, but it’s starting to feel like it could yet be another season where we'll have to wait until the summer for any deals to be made.

Steve Nickson sent on scouting mission

As reported by Craig Hope at The Mail, Newcastle’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson has been sent to watch Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford on several occasions ahead of a potential summer move.

It's believed Nickson has watched a number of Burnley games this season and was in the stands as the England U21 international impressed in a 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough on 29th December 29th.

Hope reports that Howe and recruitment staff believe Trafford has the profile and potential to 'compete with and eventually succeed' Nick Pope, being attracted by his ability to play out from the back.

The report states that it is 'almost certainly not a deal for this month', with Burnley pushing for promotion back to the Premier League, but Newcastle are fully expected to make a summer move after coming 'close' to signing the 22-year-old in August.

Trafford’s distribution is obviously a huge part of the reason he’s been scouted by Newcastle, but the 22-year-old has also proved to be a good shot-stopper this season with the most clean sheets (16) and highest save percentage (85%) in the Championship.

Toon scouts watching Millwall star 

Trafford isn't the only Championship player being watched by Newcastle United scouts, it seems.

In that same piece for The Mail, Hope reveals that Toon talent spotters have also been taking a close look at Millwall’s Romain Esse.