Newcastle United’s long-running search for a goalkeeper remains unresolved as Eddie Howe prepares for the preseason proper, starting with the first open-doors friendly on Saturday.
The Magpies have been linked with several shot-stoppers throughout the summer and in past seasons, but, once again, their No. 1 target at a position of need might have slipped trhough the cracks — in this particular case, for the second time in less than a year, no less.
According to Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder, Newcastle
has yet to follow up on its previous interest in Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, with the England international now beginning his post-World Cup holiday.
Ryder reports Trafford’s name “has not been brought up in discussions on targets this week,” while Manchester City sources also indicate there has been no contact from Newcastle since England returned from the World Cup.
The report suggests City’s €59 million (£50 million) asking price could be one reason behind the lack of progress, although Ryder notes it remains unclear whether Newcastle has fully cooled its interest in the 23-year-old. If Trafford remains at City and isn’t moved, he’s expected to be Gianluigi Donnarumma’s backup for the second consecutive season.
For context, Newcastle had a Trafford transfer lined up last summer before Man City activated a matching option thanks to a buy-back clause and snatched the goalie at the last minute, forcing the Magpies’ whiff. This time, it looks like Newcastle will fail to land him due to a lack of willingness to pay the Cityzens’ demanded fee.
As things stand, Newcastle is expected to begin the preseason with Nick Pope as its first-choice goalkeeper, even with all the concerns that will bring to many fans. It’s well known that incoming goalie Ewen Jaouen is currently viewed as Pope’s backup and more of a long-term bet, but don’t rule out a role swap if Pope starts the season on the wrong foot.
Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Mark Gillespie remains with the squad and should be the third-string netminder come mid-August.
