Newcastle United given green light to sign £20m-rated star – as social media clips go viral
Liam Kennedy
3 – 4 minutes
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Newcastle United have been heavily linked with a move for keeper James Trafford, who saved two late penalties in Burnley’s 0-0 draw with Sunderland.
Not one, but two.
Newcastle United transfer target James Trafford is already a favourite with Magpies’ fans – and he’s not even signed on the dotted line yet. The England under-21 keeper was Burnley’s hero in the Championship as he made TWO penalty saves in the dying embers of their promotion chase six-pointer with, you guessed it, Sunderland.
And it’s fair to say his end of game antics, and then heroics, has definitely resonated with Geordies.
James Trafford of Burnley celebrates with teammate Josh Laurent after saving a penalty from Wilson Isidor of Sunderland.James Trafford of Burnley celebrates with teammate Josh Laurent after saving a penalty from Wilson Isidor of Sunderland.
James Trafford of Burnley celebrates with teammate Josh Laurent after saving a penalty from Wilson Isidor of Sunderland.
Sunderland were given a controversial penalty, when Wilson Isidor was brought down outside the box with less than five minutes to play – but the referee pointed to the spot.
Cue Trafford, who took an age, removed his gloves and left the Frenchman waiting with ball on spot to take his penalty. Trafford feinted to go to his left, then walked and dived to the right, saving with ease.
Trafford then turned to the Sunderland fans and fired his fingers towards them in a shooting motion before winking with a smile.
Just as the drama looked to be over, as the game ticked to the end of six added minutes, drama. Again.
This time another penalty given. Trafford again went down. This time he was booked for his antics, but it didn’t matter. His cramp sorted, he took his place between the sticks and despite running again to his left, shouting at Isidor to let him know he had all the keeper’s right to aim for, Trafford, and the taker, both went the same way and again, another save, this time even better.
Trafford was mobbed by his teammates as he rescued a point for the Clarets.
And it’s fair to say Geordie social media has been awash with praise for the player, with many shouting ‘sign him up’.
@davez2010: “If anyone is surprised by Trafford tonight… don’t be. He has been an ELITE penalty saver for a few years now!”
@TomTalksToon: “Sign. Him. This guy is a joke of a keeper, best in the Championship, and will be the best English keeper in the game very soon.”
@Peter62592674: “Geordie hero our next keeper get him signed now.”
The 22-year-old former Manchester City goalie was close to signing for Newcastle last summer and is expected to be tracked again this, with the Magpies huge fans of the player.
He was thought to be valued in the £20million bracket, but many more performances like this and that value will no doubt rise.
