Newcastle told to pay £20m for top target as bid made, Arsenal man is alternative

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Newcastle United have made their move for their number one goalkeeper target this summer.

Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope missed the majority of last season due to an injury he suffered against Manchester United near the turn of the year.

Martin Dubravka, who was at Old Trafford previously, was the first choice goalkeeper for the Geordie club but Newcastle missed out on European football following the Red Devils’ FA Cup victory.

It now appears the club have made their move with HITC understanding that Newcastle have made a £16 million offer for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.

Burnley’s demands

Trafford, who joined the Clarets last summer from Manchester City, was relegated with Burnley last season so a move away from Turf Moor looks to be on the cards.

Burnley, who need to sell playes to meet financial regulations, are willing to let the Englishman go but we are told they want a deal worth at least £20m.

Trafford was one of a number of players who missed out on Gareth Southgate’s England squad after originally making the 33-man squad for EURO 2024 in Germany.

Burnley are hoping other clubs come in so the price is driven up. Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Wolves are amongst a plethora of other clubs keeping an eye on the situation.

Newcastle also have other targets on their radar if they can’t prise the Englishman away from Turf Moor this summer.

Newcastle’s alternatives

One of Newcastle’s alternatives is understood to be Aaron Ramsdale, with the Arsenal goalkeeper potentially on his way out with David Raya the undisputed number one.

HITC have previously reported that Newcastle had held talks with the Gunners for Ramsdale as well as Valencia for Giorgi Mamardashvili, but they were not happy to pay the asking prices of either and have instead turned their attention to the Burnley shot-stopper.

Now they are happy to move for a younger keeper who can push Nick Pope in the future rather than replace him straight away.

Vincent Kompany, formerly of Burnley, hailed the Englishman for his ‘outstanding’ performance against Brighton & Hove Albion as per The Independent. He would be a brilliant addition at St James’ Park.

As well as a new goalkeeper, it is also our understanding that the Geordie side are keen to sign at least one defender, up to two forwards and possibly a midfielder in the upcoming transfer window.