The cunning Newcastle United and Burnley swap deal that could see both clubs win

Newcastle United are reportedly prepared to listen to offers for England international goalkeeper Nick Pope in the summer transfer window.

Football Insider understands that the Magpies are planning yet another shake up in the goalkeeping department this summer which could lead to Pope’s departure from St. James’ Park after three seasons as a regular in the North East.

Ex-Premier League scout Mick Brown, who has his fair share of experience in the transfer market from working at both Sunderland and Manchester United, told the outlet that Newcastle are already assessing their options in the transfer market as they look to bolster their squad with a younger goalkeeper between the posts.

Newcastle United ‘open to offers’ for Nick Pope

Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope was recently recalled to the starting line-up during a 4-3 victory over Nottingham Forest in a game, which marked his first appearance since returning from the knee injury that he sustained shortly after a 4-2 defeat to Brentford in early December.

The 32-year-old was criticised for his positioning as Callum Hudson-Odoi scored the opener by stroking the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

Adam Cleary, a reporter for FourFourTwo posted on X: ”I can’t even begin to tell you how insane Nick Pope’s positioning is on his goal. It’s like something you’d see in Soccer Aid.”

Pope was far from his best in the Nottingham Forest victory, but admittedly it was his first start in a number of months after a period on the sidelines. However, it is not the only time that the ex-Burnley keeper has come under fire this term.

In fact, prior to his injury in December, when Martin Dubravka was handed a run in the first team, Pope came under criticism by sections of the fan base for giving the ball away needlessly from goal kicks and at times passing up possession to the opposition with weak distribution from pass backs.

Pope’s ability with the ball at his feet has come under the spotlight increasingly since his shoulder injury leading to calls from some sections of the fan base for the club to sign a younger goalkeeper with greater ability with the ball at his feet.

One name heavily linked has been Burnley youngster James Trafford. The Magpies made an attempt to sign the 22-year-old last June but were unable to agree on a fee, with the Clarets holding out for around £20million, as per Newcastle World.

However, that interest has not faded and after watching the ex-Manchester City man save two penalties against Sunderland - and go 12 games without conceding a goal, it is thought the team could once again make a move for the highly-rated young shot-stopper.

“Newcastle agreed personal terms with James Trafford since summer 2024 and the verbal pact is still valid,” posted Fabrizio Romano on X, as he claimed the Magpies simply need to agree a fee with Burnley to get a deal over the line.

The bold James Trafford swap deal Newcastle could look to strike

Newcastle have identified James Trafford as their future number one, while the player is also tipped to succeed Jordan Pickford at England level.

Trafford, who played alongside Anthony Gordon in England’s Under-21 Euro winning team, went the entirety of the tournament without conceding a goal while notably securing his team silverware with a last-gasp penalty save against Spain in the final.

The young keeper has ambitions of going right to the very top and as such is rated highly by his manager Scott Parker. “I’ve got nothing but positives to say about James.” said the ex-Newcastle captain. “When I first came in there were some struggles and he came out the back of a season last year that was difficult for Traf, a young boy, going into that division, he had some hard times. But this is a special keeper with absolutely huge potential. You see that confidence. He believes in himself and to get to that top, top level you have to have that certain belief, that arrogance. He’s got that and he backs it up.”

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Burnley, who are firmly in the race to win promotion back to the top-flight, will be desperate to retain their goalkeeper if they secure their status in the top-flight. But one player that could potentially grease the wheels of a move to the North East could be a goalkeeper familiar with the area that has already proven he can help stabilise the club in the top-flight in the past… Nick Pope.

Pope played 155 games in total for Burnley and is a goalkeeper that has proven he can take charge of his penalty area and thrive in a relegation battle. He is familiar with the area, is well-liked by the fans at Turf Moor and at 32 still has a number of years left in him at the top level.

He still has ambitions of being the first choice goalkeeper at whatever club he plays for next year, and if he isn’t part of Newcastle’s long-term plans it may make sense to offer Burnley a player-plus cash deal to try and entice Trafford to St. James’ Park.

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