Newcastle United have revisited a move for Burnley number one James Trafford and Shay Given’s admiration for the goalkeeper is clear even if the club legend gave a ‘political answer’
James Trafford with his England team-mates earlier this month
Shay Given has hailed Newcastle United target James Trafford as a ‘brilliant’ young goalkeeper who would be a ‘great addition’.
Newcastle have held fresh talks with Burnley regarding Trafford after first attempting to sign the shot-stopper last summer. Indeed, it was just last week that Trafford revealed that Newcastle were ‘a good fit’ and he ‘really believed’ in the move a year ago.
Newcastle are in a much better financial position to recruit Trafford this time around, but the goalkeeper’s value has increased following a superb season in the Championship.
Trafford equalled the record for the most clean sheets (29) in English football, recorded the most consecutive shutouts (12) in Championship history and conceded just 16 goals as Burnley won promotion back to the top-flight.
Trafford’s strong campaign has strengthened Burnley’s hand, and there remains a gap in valuation between the two clubs, but the England hopeful already has a fan in Newcastle’s greatest ever goalkeeper.
“I do believe that the goalkeeping department is really strong at Newcastle with Nick Pope, [Martin] Dubravka and Mark Gillespie signing a new contract as well,” Given told reporters at a press conference to promote Newcastle’s pre-season friendly against Celtic next month.
“I think Eddie is looking to strengthen every position and Trafford is a brilliant young goalkeeper. He really is. I think there are a few clubs looking at him.
“I don’t know if the goalkeeper is a priority for Newcastle because the restraints on the financial side of things are important, but Trafford has had a brilliant season at Burnley and broken a lot of records.
“He would be a great addition to any team in the Premier League. It’s a good political answer, that!”
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