Newcastle United to sign James Trafford

It is understood that Newcastle United will be completing a deal to sign goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley this week, after the Toon Army matched the player's minimum fee release clause, believed to be in the region of £18 million. Eddie Howe's side have signed several of England's best young stars and adding Trafford to their squad is a huge coup.

Trafford had lost his place at the end of last season at Burnley, but was still brought into England's full squad in recent months by manager Gareth Southgate. For many, Trafford is seen as the eventual first choice goalie for England instead of Jordan Pickford. With Nick Pope on his way back from injury, Trafford will likely play second fiddle to Pope, but the departures of Loris Karius only improves Trafford's opportunity of first-team football at St James' Park.

Newcastle had been linked with a surprise move for Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal, but the goalkeeper himself told reporters that a move to the Toon Army was "news to him" and now looks set to move elsewhere, with numerous Premier League clubs linked with the former Sheffield United keeper.

Trafford will likely be confirmed as Newcastle's first signing of what is expected to be a very busy summer.