Newcastle United end James Trafford hunt - David Ornstein
It looks as though Newcastle United have finally thrown in the towel after three years of chasing James Trafford.
The England goalkeeper was on Newcastle's list two years ago, but issues with PSR meant they couldn't get the deal done, isntead they brought in Odysseas Vlachodimos as part of a quasi-swap deal with Nottingham Forest that saw Elliot Anderson go the other way as both clubs looked to avoid sanctions.
Last year, Newcastle looked to be in pole position to sign the young goalkeeper from Burnley after he showed willingness to move to Tyneside 12 months earlier, but then Manchester City activated their buy-back clause, and after being promised first-team football by Pep Guardiola, Trafford chose to return to City.
Just a couple of weeks later, Man City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma and gave the Italian the starting place in the team, which angered Trafford, who has been tipped to leave the Etihad this summer.
Trafford leaning towards move to Leeds United
Newcastle were thought to be keen, but they have kept their options open as well, having been burnt twice before.
Now, The Athletic's David Ornstein has claimed that Trafford wants a move to Leeds United and Newcastle are looking elsewhere.
"Newcastle United no longer considering James Trafford as option for goalkeeper signing - 23yo England int’l was discussed with Manchester City when #MCFC spoke to #NUFC about potential Sandro Tonali deal but situation did not go further.
"Leeds United in talks with Manchester City to sign James Trafford. Newcastle United also interested & #NUFC made club-to-club contact, but 23yo #MCFC goalkeeper leaning towards Elland Road + #LUFC now working to land England international @TheAthleticFC"
Surprise stopper incoming?
If Newcastle hasn't progressed their interest beyond those early discussions, then that's fine, but if it is a case that Trafford prefers a move to Leeds over Newcastle, then we really have to wonder just what is going on at our club.
We can handle getting pipped to signings from the likes of Liverpool and Aston Villa. They have more to offer than we do right now, but what has Leeds got that we don't?
Our interest in Trafford has felt more media-led than coming from the club this summer, though. There were reports before the summer that Newcastle weren't going to pursue their interest in Trafford this year, so maybe they've stuck with that, and journalists have just kept the links alive for something to write about.
Newcastle still need a goalkeeper even though they don't appear to be making any inroads in that department. They were offered Japan star Zion Suzuki a couple of weeks ago and haven't followed that up. There has been reported interest in Robin Risser and Bart Verbruggen, but we've seen no movement on those either.
That being said, the Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba deals came out of nowhere, so there could be a goalkeeper to follow soon.
