Newcastle United will need to strengthen their squad in the upcoming summer transfer window. The Magpies were nowhere near the mark last season, finishing 12th in the Premier League. So, they have no European football to offer, and that hurts their chances when it comes to both keeping their players and signing new ones.
That does not mean that ‘top’ talents won’t be available to Newcastle United. Let’s not forget that they have been one of the better teams in England since the arrival of Eddie Howe as manager.
Football has a short memory. But that does not mean that you can completely overlook what has been built at St James’ Park over the course of several years, on the basis of just one season of bad performances and results.
One position where Newcastle United could do with a bit more quality is between the posts. And it looks like they are the favourites to sign one from Manchester City.
Newcastle United leading race to sign Manchester City player
According to a report from Football Insider, Newcastle United are leading the race to sign James Trafford. The Englishman is keen to leave Manchester City this summer.
Trafford joined Manchester City last summer. And it was thought that he would be handed the first-team gloves. The Citizens are not one to let a good opportunity go though.
Other clubs would not have even entertained the idea of signing another goalkeeper, having already invested in someone like Trafford in that same window. But when Gianluigi Donnarumma became available, Man City did not flinch.
They signed Donnarumma from PSG and placed him as the number one between the posts. That left Trafford as the cup goalkeeper, a role he clearly was not content with. So, it is not hard to see why he is keen to leave.
James Trafford would be a phenomenal signing
It does look like Newcastle United are shoring up their options in the middle of the park. The club have already spent big on signing Ewen Jaouen from Ligue 2 side Reims.
Would Jaouen be ready to make the jump from Ligue 2 to the Premier League? Most probably not. Someone like Trafford would be an excellent number one as the 20-year-old gets the chance to develop behind him, hopefully becoming genuine competition at some point.
As for Nick Pope, it looks like his time at Newcastle United is coming to an end very soon. Ipswich Town are believed to be keen to sign the 34-year-old.
If Newcastle United are able to sign Trafford, then Pope would not have a place in the team. But if they are not able to bring in the Man City number two, perhaps the veteran could stay around for another season as the tried and tested option.
All things considered, though, the best-case scenario for Newcastle United would be signing Trafford this summer. But expect there to be heavy competition for someone who is truly one of the best young goalkeepers in England right now.
