Newcastle United have identified James Trafford as their main goalkeeper target this summer, but are preparing alternative options should a deal fail to materialise. The Magpies have twice attempted to sign Trafford, who returned to Manchester City last season after the club activated a buyback clause with Burnley.
Trafford Deal Uncertain
Eddie Howe was close to securing the England international, but the 23-year-old will not decide his future until after the World Cup. Newcastle face competition from Juventus, Aston Villa, and other clubs. Consequently, no decision has been made on Nick Pope's future, and Newcastle are monitoring several goalkeepers who could compete with new signing Ewen Jaouen.
Verbruggen Among Alternatives
Among the candidates is Brighton's highly-rated No. 1 Bart Verbruggen, along with Lens' Robin Risser and Borussia Dortmund's Gregory Kobel. Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith believes Verbruggen could leave this summer, but only for a substantial fee.
"I think he [Verbruggen] will cost quite a bit," Smith said. "I mean, talking about World Cups doubling your fees, Verbruggen’s had a good World Cup for the Netherlands, really good, made some top saves. He’s 23 years of age; he’s got a lot of years ahead of him. Brighton will probably sell if it’s for the right money, they would make a huge profit on him off the back of the World Cup. [It would] be the time to sell. But they don’t want too many disruptions to that back four. There’ll be plenty of suitors for Verbruggen."
Brighton's Ready-Made Replacement
If Brighton cash in on the Dutch international, they may have a ready-made replacement in Carl Rushworth. The 24-year-old impressed on loan at Coventry City last season, earning a place in the Championship team of the season. Brighton have already rejected a £20m bid from Coventry, who wanted to sign him permanently after promotion to the Premier League. Newcastle also scouted Rushworth last season.
Smith added: "Rushworth enjoyed a really good season for Coventry. He’s had about six loans in his career. He’s been all over the shop, from lower league to Championship and that. So he would want to now get his career started properly. He’s 24. And there’s a chance for him there. Perhaps Brighton didn’t want to sell him to Coventry. So it might be that they’re earmarking him for the position between the sticks now. And I’m sure he’s champing at the bit to do that."
