James Trafford’s proposed move to Newcastle is now expected to be completed without any hitches this summer.
The Burnley goalkeeper had agreed to join last August only for the deal not to happen, much to the surprise and disappointment of some of those involved.
However, sources have expressed extreme confidence this week of the transfer going through at the end of this season, with Trafford still set on St James’ Park.
The 22-year-old is in the midst of an astonishing 11-match run without conceding a goal, moving beyond 1,000 minutes since he was last beaten. That run included a pair of penalty saves during a goalless draw with Sunderland last month, ingratiating himself with Newcastle supporters who are aware of their club’s interest in the Cumbrian.
One complicating factor that had been mentioned was Manchester City’s buy-back clause. They sold the player to Burnley for £19million two years ago and it is thought a fee in excess of £40m was included as an option to re-sign him.
But sources have played down the possibility of that being an issue and say all roads still lead to Tyneside, regardless of whether Burnley win promotion. They are currently third in the Championship table and five points behind second-placed Sheffield United.
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is expected to finally join Newcastle this summer
Eddie Howe missed out on Trafford last year, but should get his man ahead of next season, with Man City’s buy-back clause not expected to complicate the deal
Trafford has had a stunning campaign at Burnley, keeping 11 consecutive clean sheets
The fee discussed last summer was £16m and, while it will take more than that this time around, Trafford has only two years to run on his contract.
Newcastle scouts have continued to watch the England Under-21 star extensively this season and his ball-playing attributes are seen as key to the team’s long-term evolution.
MAGS TAKE THE FLACK
On the subject of goalkeepers, Confidential can reveal that Newcastle have won the race to sign highly-rated teenager Lucas Flack from Leyton Orient.
The Under-14 stopper joined the club this month and was thrown straight in for his debut this week during the Hale End Cup, hosted by Arsenal’s academy.
And what a start to life it was in Newcastle’s colours. The young Magpies not only lifted the trophy, but Flack was named goalkeeper of the tournament. They topped a six-team group ahead of Toulouse, Arsenal, Avispa Fukuoka, Blackburn and Hertha Berlin.
My sources tell me Flack was extremely impressive and that it’s easy to see why Newcastle had to beat a host of top-flight rivals to his signature.
DUTCH AND GO FOR SVEN… BUT JOE ON THE MEND
Sven Botman is a doubt for Sunday’s visit of Nottingham Forest with his knee injury taking longer to clear than expected – but there is good news on Joelinton’s availability for the Carabao Cup final.
Newcastle had hoped that Botman would be fit for last Saturday’s trip to Manchester City after taking a knock during the Carabao Cup semi-final win over Arsenal on February 5. He came up slightly short in his bid to make that game after feeling lingering pain in his knee last week, but it was thought he’d be fine for this weekend.
However, Confidential understands the centre back is not guaranteed to return. There is still hope that he can train and will report no ill-effects in the coming days, but no risks will be taken.
Joelinton is on course to make his comeback from injury ahead of the Carabao Cup final
Botman only returned from a 10-month knee layoff in January and, while this issue is on his opposite leg, lessons have been learned after the Dutchman played for several months with ligament damage last season.
Eddie Howe will be desperate for the 25-year-old to prove his fitness and, if so, it is likely he would start. The head coach spoke of missing Botman’s physicality during the 4-0 defeat at City.
On that front, we can reveal that Joelinton is in line for a return to action two weeks before the Carabao Cup final. Howe said last week that he ‘hoped’ the Brazilian would be back in time for the March 16 showdown with Liverpool. He has been missing since injuring his knee at the start of the month and no return date has been given.
However, we can reveal that the FA Cup visit of Brighton on March 2 has been pencilled in for his comeback. That would give the midfielder a fortnight before the Wembley trip to build his match sharpness.
MAGPIES, NOT EAGLES, FOR MURPHY
Jacob Murphy will politely decline an approach from Nigeria to switch his international allegiance.
The winger has played for England at Under-21 level but is also eligible for Nigeria and the Republic of Ireland.
And with his five goals and nine assists in all competitions catching the eye this season, Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle has the Newcastle man in his sights.
That would give Murphy the chance to play at next year’s World Cup, but we understand he will not be joining the Nigeria squad any time soon.
Rather, the 29-year-old will concentrate on maintaining his impressive club form and has not given up hope of one day earning his first senior England cap.
Jacob Murphy has turned down the chance of representing Nigeria and has not given up hope of playing for England
ENGLAND DOES NOT AWAIT ON TYNESIDE…
St James’ Park will NOT host England when they take a World Cup qualifier on the road later this year.
The FA plan to play the home match versus Andorra on September 6 away from Wembley because of a Coldplay concert at the stadium the following day.
However, Confidential understands that St James’ is not in the running given it played host to a Euro 2024 warm-up match against Bosnia last year.
Despite the success of that game in front of a sold-out crowd, Newcastle will have to wait before it welcomes the national team to Tyneside once more. Villa Park is among those under consideration for the Andorra fixture.
PRIZE GUY
Finally, Callum Wilson received a rapturous reception on Tyneside this week – at the MOBO Awards.
The Newcastle striker presented the Paving the Way prize to Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis.
Wilson was word-perfect during his on-stage speech about Lewis and won a hearty cheer from the crowd at the Utilita Arena.
He will be hoping for the same again up the road at St James’ Park on Sunday…
Callum Wilson received a big reception on Tyneside as he presented a prize at the MOBO Awards to Denis Lewis this week
TOON TEASER…
It’s Toon Teaser time. Last week’s puzzler was… can you name the SEVEN players to have played for Newcastle and Middlesbrough since 1992? The answers were: Sammy Ameobi, Dan Barlaser, Kieron Dyer, Geremi, Shay Given, Mark Viduka and Jonathan Woodgate.
This week’s question is: can you name the EIGHT players to have played for Newcastle and Swansea since 1992? Good luck!
