A top Newcastle United transfer target has now “fully agreed personal terms” over a move to St James’ Park, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Magpies are looking to do some strong early business in the transfer market this summer, with the club believed to have opened talks with Brighton striker Joao Pedro over a move.
The Brazilian enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 season for the Seagulls, scoring 10 goals and registering six assists in the Premier League, so he could provide stiff competition for Alexander Isak, but the Magpies’ opening bid has been rejected.
Talks are also reportedly underway between Newcastle and Malick Fofana, as they look to snap up the winger from Lyon, who have just been relegated to Ligue 2 over financial issues. That will surely mean that the Belgian moves on this summer, acting as a boost for Eddie Howe and his other suitors.
The Magpies have also been linked with the loan signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United, with Barcelona among the clubs keen on snapping him up, too. Much may depend on whether both Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes are still at St James’ next season, though.
Newcastle edging closer to signing top target
According to Romano on X, Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford has now “fully agreed personal terms” over a summer move to Newcastle.
Trafford has been a leading transfer target for the Magpies for many months now, with the 22-year-old considered a potential future No.1 for England, such is his potential.
The Englishman enjoyed a fantastic season with Burnley in 2024/25, proving to be a massive part of a defence that conceded only 16 times in 46 matches, with pundit Don Goodman lauding a “perfect” January between the sticks.
“On individual performance, it would be difficult to have a more perfect month than James Trafford. He didn’t concede a goal in any of Burnley’s six games in January and he was the hero at Turf Moor against Sunderland, saving two late penalties to keep his team’s unbeaten run intact. Burnley’s defensive stability is going to be the key in their bid for promotion and Trafford is central to that.”
Trafford isn’t exactly short on confidence either, once saying “I know I’m a world-class goalkeeper”, and he has the ability to come straight in as first choice for Newcastle next season, even though Nick Pope remains a good option.
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Eddie Howe is looking to bolster Newcastle’s frontline this summer.
At 22, the Burnley ace still has most of his career ahead of him, and if he reaches the heights expected of him, he could be a massive player for the Magpies for the next decade or so.
