Newcastle United will be signing a “world-class” goalkeeper should James Trafford arrive this summer.
That’s according to Burnley manager Scott Parker – and the player himself – after his wonder save in Friday’s 2-1 win at Watford put the Clarets on the verge of promotion back to the Premier League. A win against third-place Sheffield United on Monday will seal it.
Trafford has broken records in the Championship this season, keeping 28 clean sheets in 42 appearances. The 22-year-old also went 12 games without conceding a goal between December and March, while he was named the division’s Player of the Month in January – a month in which he saved two penalties in the same game against Sunderland.
And Trafford could win another award at the end of the season with his save at Vicarage Road (see blow) a contender for save of the season.
“Incredible save,” Parker said. “Best save by… I mean, you could put it down as sort of an assist really, because from that, we then go and score a goal.
“A really big moment, a big moment for him – the sign of a top, top world-class goalkeeper, really, that at times, and even in the second half, when he’s pretty redundant, really, but he has to come up with big saves in big moments, collect balls from crosses.
“Not just today, you’re seeing someone who, for large parts, for the majority of this season, has been top draw for us.”
Newcastle United have already agreed personal terms with James Trafford
Newcastle had a £16million bid rejected for Trafford last summer, though are widely expected to reignite their interest having continued to scout him extensively. The former Manchester City goalkeeper was understood to have agreed personal terms over a move to St James’ Park and the “verbal pact is still valid” according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Not only would Eddie Howe’s side be signing a “world-class” goalkeeper but an ultra-confident one too. When Parker’s comments were put to Trafford, he agreed.
“Yes, I know I’m a world-class goalkeeper,” Trafford replied. “The gaffer’s class, and yes, he told me that last Saturday. He knows he told me last Saturday. The gaffer’s brilliant, and it’s a brilliant win for him and the way he set us up, and the messages he delivered us at half-time, and we know what he said at half-time, and it came exactly true.”
Whether it is with Burnley or another club, Trafford has always maintained a belief that he will be playing Premier League football next season.
“I believe I’ll be in the Premier League next season,” Trafford told BBC Radio Lancashire (via Burnley Express). “It’s where I want to play, it’s obviously the best league in the world. I wanted to get there as quickly as I could and it took two years on loan to develop.”
