Newcastle United have declared an interest in Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, a move that could spark a big-name exit at St James' Park this summer. Trafford was on Eddie Howe's wish list 12 months ago, with Newcastle confident of winning the race to sign the England shot-stopper until a shock 11th-hour approach from Manchester City. Back then, Howe was left disappointed that Trafford was snatched away from him after holding initial discussions, after then boss Pep Guardiola activated a buyback clause to secure a £27m deal.
It could cost Newcastle between £35m and £45m to sign Trafford this summer, meaning the Magpies will almost certainly be saying farewell to Nick Pope if the deal goes through. Pope has one year left on his contract but won't settle for being number three, with Ewen Jaouen told he is here to be deputy to whoever is number one. Jaouen actually jetted back to France, having been told he would get the chance to impress in pre-season, but also advised that another senior shot-stopper would be on the way.
However, with Newcastle looking to ensure the books remain balanced, another big-name exit hasn't been ruled out. And while there have been no bids or approaches for the likes of Tino Livramento, Sandro Tonali, or Lewis Hall, Howe will have done well to retain all three in what is set to be a testing and busy window.
New Boy Blown Away by Newcastle Presentation
The Magpies completed a four-year deal for Ewen Jaouen this week after a swift and seamless transfer from Reims in the French Second Division. Newcastle kept their move for Jaouen under the radar for much of the winter before news broke last month that there was interest. Soon after Newcastle's bid for the 6ft 6in stopper went in, head coach Eddie Howe spoke in detail over the phone on what the 20-year-old's role would be before sporting director Ross Wilson sealed the deal.
It is an early show of how Newcastle will operate with Howe still having a big say in signings and the head coach's attention to detail set to be key. Howe wants characters of a certain profile with players who are keen on learning and buying into the club's meticulous training methods. After Jaouen flew back to France after being taken on a tour of the club's facilities, he was blown away by the professionalism at the club after being whisked from the airport to the stadium before completing the deal. The transfer was the first major first-team coup for Wilson and has been toasted as a success behind the scenes.
Newcastle United Target Germany in Euro Talent Search
The Magpies are trying to leave no stone unturned in the transfer market but are trying to land younger gems before they land on the radar in the big leagues on the continent. United have already put the call out for new youth scouts in Portugal, France, and Holland, and now see Germany as a possible area to focus on. From next season, Newcastle will have a scout in Germany full-time and a new job advert reads: 'The Academy International Scout – Germany will act as an ambassador for the Club within the assigned territory, leading on the identification and assessment of high-potential academy players. Working closely with Academy Scouting and Recruitment leadership, the role supports evidence-based decision-making aligned to the Club's long-term academy strategy and EPPP requirements.'
