REPORTS: Newcastle United in talks to sign Cumbrian goalkeeper
NEWCASTLE United are in talks to sign Cumbrian goalkeeper James Trafford, according to reports.
The 22-year-old Burnley shot stopper, from Greysouthen, is reportedly the subject of interest from Eddie Howe's Magpies, who are looking to bolster their ranks after confirming their place in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League.
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According to various reports, Newcastle United have begun discussions for the Cumbrian goalkeeper, with Burnley valuing his services at £40 million.
The interest in the former Carlisle United academy man comes off the back of an impressive 2024/25 season, which saw the Cumbrian achieve a record-breaking tally of Championship clean sheets as the Clarets won promotion back to the Premier League.
Trafford was also included in Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad as the Three Lions recorded a 1-0 victory against Andorra and were defeated 3-1 by Senegal.
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With the Champions League beginning next month and a World Cup next summer, that seems remarkable, but even if he does eventually relent, Newcastle's pathway to reconciliation may be a slow one. There is an international break immediately after the transfer window closes, so theoretically mediation could occur then, though Isak may be called up by Sweden to face Slovenia and Kosovo. The grey area is whether Newcastle consider Isak to be in breach of his contract. The Premier League's standard contract stipulates that Isak must attend matches and training sessions when instructed to by a club official and 'play to the best of his skill and ability at all times'. But Isak was seemingly given permission not to join the club's pre-season tour and has since reported to training, albeit in a pattern that avoids him being part of the first-team's schedule, so proving he is in breach may not be straightforward. Isak's statement on social media is another move that risks him breaching his contract. 'There are provisions about acting in the best interests of the club and there are non-disparagement provisions in the contracts as well,' explains Singer, partner at Onside Law. 'Isak is getting closer to being in breach, but the question then becomes what are the consequences of that? It's pretty limited.' A legal action against Isak is an option for Newcastle, but there is no precedent for this, and for good reason. The forward remains the club's greatest asset and reconciliation would appear the only means of protecting that if Isak fails to get his move. This, for now, is a domestic dispute between player and club. FIFA can become involved in such cases if an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) is being disputed, but attempting to join Liverpool would ultimately need a challenge to the Premier League's rules. Advertisement There could be long-term implications for this kind of stand-off in light of the recent Lassana Diarra legal case, but a landmark ruling (explained at length here) that brought changes to Article 17 of FIFA's regulations does nothing to alter Isak's position this summer. 'The problem for Isak is that he can't tear up his own contract, so you can't force Newcastle to pass on your registration,' says Singer. 'Premier League rules are very strong and, at the moment, there's no other club involved. It's just the player who is employed under a Premier League contract at a Premier League club, who both submit to the authority of the Premier League and its rules.' Newcastle's swift rejection of Liverpool's £110m offer meant Liverpool felt that submitting an improved second bid would be futile. However, the Premier League champions haven't pursued an alternative target and remain keen to secure Isak's services if Newcastle's stance changes. Liverpool have the funds to break the British transfer record for Isak. They have embarked on the biggest spending spree in their history this summer, with around £320m, including add-ons, committed to new signings, but have also generated up to £220m from sales. Arne Slot has made it clear that he feels Liverpool need to sign another attacker in this window, but will be only too aware that Isak agitating for a move won't necessarily improve their chances of getting him. Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho behaved similarly when they were pursued by Arsenal and Barcelona respectively. However, on both occasions, Liverpool refused to sanction a sale in those summer windows. Isak's statement only inflames tensions further from a Newcastle perspective. Advertisement Newcastle supporters have been critical of what many perceive to be Liverpool's covert backing of Isak's stance. The feeling is that this is a deliberate attempt to force through a transfer at a fee substantially lower than Newcastle's valuation, a view shared by some figures at the club. From Liverpool's perspective, Isak's statement and talk about 'broken promises' is an issue between the player and Newcastle. Earlier in the summer, Liverpool were baffled by reports that they had hijacked Newcastle's pursuit of Ekitike. Club officials had been in contact with the player's camp since January and Slot held talks with the player in May. They believed Newcastle were simply late to the party. The two clubs were also in competition for defender Giovanni Leoni, who arrived at Anfield from Parma last week. Fenway Sports Group CEO of football Michael Edwards, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, and Newcastle manager Eddie Howe have been friends since their time together at Portsmouth more than two decades ago, but business is business. On the field, meanwhile, a 'mini' rivalry was already emerging, at least from the Newcastle side, following March's Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool. Howe has also yet to beat Liverpool in the Premier League and is desperate to change that. Wor Flags, the Newcastle supporters' group that orchestrates displays at St James' Park, is planning a pre-match reveal. Security-wise, Newcastle insist they always put on adequate provisions and there is no suggestion of special measures being laid on. Whether Edwards and Hughes will attend as part of the visiting delegation is unclear. Edwards and FSG technical director Julian Ward were both present at the corresponding fixture last season, as they tied it in with a visit to see Ben Doak, then on loan at Middlesbrough. The Liverpool executives who attend away matches vary between the likes of CEO Billy Hogan, club ambassadors Sir Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush (both former Newcastle employees), club secretary Danny Stanway, and chief legal and external affairs officer Jonathan Bamber. Extremely unlikely. Harry Kane at Tottenham and Wayne Rooney at Manchester United both pushed to leave their clubs and ended up fully reintegrated, but in the social-media-dominated landscape of 2025, it is difficult to envisage the resentment and hurt many Newcastle fans feel dissipating entirely. Advertisement That does not mean it is unthinkable that Isak will play for Newcastle again. He is a world-class centre-forward and Newcastle desperately need goals. If he plays, shows commitment and scores, then the strength of feeling may begin to wane, if never entirely dissipate. Isak, too, may get frustrated at not playing, but as an olive branch to fans, a public apology would feel a minimum requirement. Either way, Isak's reputation among Newcastle fans has been irretrievably damaged. Additional reporting: James Pearce Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
