Newcastle back in for James Trafford - David Ornstein

Newcastle United are doubling down on new goalkeepers, it seems, after already bringing in 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen.

We were already aware that there'd be changes aplenty in Newcastle's goalkeeper department with the departures of John Rudd, Max Thompson and Aaron Ramsdale.

Nick Pope's future is also not guaranteed after another below-par season, not to mention the fact he's just entered the last 12 months of his contract at 34.

Ewen Jaouen's arrival from Stade de Reims this week is an excellent step in the right direction, but it never felt as though he was being brought in to go straight into the starting lineup.

Newcastle  James Trafford again

It looks like Newcastle United are back in the mix for long-term target James Trafford, despite Ewen Jaouen's recent arrival.

The Athletic's David Ornstein has declared that Newcastle have rekindled their interest in the 23-year-old, just a year after we lost out to Man City for the former Burnley man.

According to his report, no official talks have taken place as yet, but Newcastle has indicated its intent to pursue the goalkeeper, with both clubs in contact over a potential deal.

The issue facing the Magpies is that Trafford wants to wait until after the World Cup to sort out his future. Newcastle may not be willing to hang about, however, as we pursue another stopper to compete with the inexperienced Jaouen.

Third time lucky?

Surely this has to be Newcastle's last roll of the dice when it comes to Trafford after two failed attempts already.

As much as we appreciate Trafford, it does seem odd that we're going for another young goalkeeper just after landing French Under-21, Jaouen.

Jaouen has shown plenty of promise in France already, and while we can't be sure he's ready to start in goal for Newcastle immediately, it's likely he'll be pushing for that starting spot pretty soon.

However, if we have 23-year-old Trafford ahead of him, he would surely question his route to game time should the current Man City stopper arrive in a deal that would cost in excess of £30m. 

It may make sense to bring in another elder statesman for Jaouen to learn from and ultimately succeed. If it wasn't for the effect he has on my poor old heart, I'd say just stick with Pope for another season or two, but if I have to watch him trying and use his feet again, I may not make it to the end of next season.