Exclusive:James Trafford & Nick Pope Newcastle United transfer truth - plus alternative goalkeeper plan revealed
Newcastle United transfers: Ross Wilson is looking to sign another two goalkeepers this summer with James Trafford linked once more.
Newcastle United want to sign a new No.1 goalkeeper this summer and have already started laying the groundwork for life after Nick Pope.
James Trafford will once again be the top target in that department for the third summer running, but alternatives are also being looked at.
New signing Ewen Jaouen is set to be Newcastle’s No. 2 goalkeeper next season in the Premier League while given an opportunity to impress in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. The 20-year-old was also made aware that he could be working alongside a potential replacement for Pope.
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Nick Pope available to leave NUFC - but exit isn't guaranteed
Newcastle had been in talks with Ipswich Town over a potential deal with Pope agreeing to take a pay cut to join his boyhood club, only for Kieran McKenna’s imminent departure to put the deal on hold.
Any move for a new goalkeeper would be dependent on United finding a willing buyer for Pope, who is valued at around £5million. The 34-year-old, who is heading into the final year of his contract at St James’ Park, is understood to be open to leaving this summer should the right offer come in.
While Newcastle will look to sell Pope this window, sources close to the situation have described the goalkeeper’s chances of departing as ‘50/50’.
James Trafford targeted with alternative plan in place
A deal for Trafford will be seriously explored once again this summer, though no formal talks have taken place. The 23-year-old is currently away with England at the World Cup but would not need convincing to join Newcastle given his situation at Manchester City and the fact he twice agreed to join the club previously.
But the financial side of any proposed move for Trafford could prove tricky given the player’s wages and the fee City would demand having paid £27million to Burnley for him last summer.
As such, Newcastle have a contingency plan in place should they fail to sign Trafford once again. The club will target a cheaper, older and more experienced goalkeeper than Trafford as a medium-term solution as No. 1.
That would be in addition to an experienced third-choice goalkeeper to replace John Ruddy, with free agent options being assessed in that respect.
In summary, Newcastle’s goalkeeper plan this summer is: