Burnley are reported to have placed a £30 million price tag on their highly rated goalkeeper Trafford, who kept 29 clean sheets in 45 appearances last season.
Trafford's inspired form helped Burnley on their way to automatic promotion, finishing runners-up to Daniel Farke's Leeds United. Having had a bid of around £15 million reportedly declined by the Clarets last summer, it seems that the Magpies remain determined to get their man.
Interest in Aaron Ramsdale is cooling
Newcastle's rumoured approach for Trafford suggests that their interest in Southampton goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale has cooled. It was reported as early as January, just six months after Ramsdale joined Southampton from Arsenal, that the Magpies were interested in making an approach for him.
Ramsdale has three years remaining on his contract which expires in June 2028. Earning a reported salary of £120,000 per week, the Saints will be desperate to get Ramsdale off the wage bill.
Since arriving at Southampton, Ramsdale's form has been a little over-hyped. He has been average at best. Playing behind the league's leakiest defence, the goalkeeper, who has been capped five times by England, made a total of 125 saves. However, on closer inspection of the stats, Ramsdale's save percentage was just 65.4%, a little below the average, compared with keepers in the Premier League last season.
In contrast, Trafford's form at Burnley was exceptional. His save percentage was an impressive 84.6% and he saved the club an estimated 12.78 goals across the course of the season. Much has been made of the Championship's most stubborn defence, but not enough has been said about the goalkeeper who has made so much difference at Turf Moor.
Repeated Ramsdale rejection is alarming for Sport Republic
The Magpies preference in pursuing Trafford above Ramsdale will be alarming for Sport Republic, who will be banking on recouping the majority of the £25 million that they have splurged on the player.
Speculation regarding Ramsdale's most likely destination has been rife. It seems now that both Newcastle and West Ham have pulled out of the race to sign him altogether.
Should Burnley decide to sell Trafford to Newcastle, Burnley will be looking for a top class keeper. Whether they can afford Ramsdale's wages, let alone the £20 million plus that Saints are likely to demand, is a different matter. With Leeds United reported to be interested in Ramsdale, perhaps it's not time for the board to panic just yet.