Newcastle United’s pursuit of goalkeeper James Trafford remains stalled as Burnley hold firm on a valuation the Tyneside club refuses to meet, according to Chris Waugh of The Athletic.
Talks between the clubs have not broken down entirely, but no progress has been made in recent weeks. Burnley’s current asking price, believed to be around £40 million, exceeds what Newcastle are prepared to pay.
“The sides remain significantly apart in their respective valuations,” Waugh reported. “Burnley have not
shifted in their stance and, for now, Newcastle are not budging from theirs either.”
Trafford is admired by Newcastle staff, but the club has made it clear they will not exceed internal financial guidelines to land the 22-year-old goalie.
“The James Trafford situation is a perfect example of (Newcastle’s financial balancing),” Waugh wrote. “Newcastle’s budget will already be stretched to satisfy all their transfer needs.”
While Trafford remains a target, Newcastle could move on if no breakthrough occurs soon.
“Talks with Burnley for Trafford... have not ended, but nor has definitive progress been made,” Waugh wrote.
If the standoff continues, Newcastle may be forced to pursue alternative goalkeeper options before the end of the window in what is turning into the most likely scenario because of Burnley’s stubbornness to drop their valuation and Man City’s interest in the netminder.
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