Newcastle update on Carl Rushworth ‘talks’ as James Trafford decision looms

Newcastle United are still looking for their new first-choice goalkeeper to take over Nick Pope.

Nick Pope is still at the club, but as he has now entered the final year of his contract, it's expected that the 34-year-old will likely leave Newcastle at some point over the summer.

First, though, the Magpies need to secure a goalkeeper to take his place, with new signing Ewen Jaouen already having been made aware that his role will be as backup next season.

James Trafford remains the priority for Newcastle, but on Thursday there were reports that the Magpies were in talks with Brighton keeper Carl Rushworth, who impressed on loan at Coventry last season.

No talks with Carl Rushworth

The Chronicle's Lee Ryder has since shot down those claims in a post made on X on Friday, claiming that no talks have taken place despite Rushworth having been offered to Newcastle.

"🚨#nufc are not understood to be in talks with Carl Rushworth at this stage. 

"The Brighton goalkeeper has been offered to Newcastle as club consider options for new addition after not taking up option to sign Aaron Ramsdale last month."

James Trafford set to decide his future

Elsewhere, the World Cup will come to an end this weekend, and despite missing out on the final, England's participation isn't over yet as they have the third-place playoff to contend with France on Saturday.

After that, James Trafford is likely to make a decision about his future at Manchester City, with the 23-year-old expected to move elsewhere.

Newcastle are hoping it will be third time lucky trying to sign the England goalkeeper, but we're not getting carried away as it just seems destined not to happen.

If a Champions League-playing side comes in for him, we expect that's where he'll end up despite having indicated a willingness to move to Newcastle in the past.

Thankfully, Newcastle have other options available to them should Trafford snub us once again.