The ideal Newcastle United and Burnley player swap deal that would benefit all involved

While focus is currently on Gareth Southgate’s ruthless axe-wielding as he locks in his final Euro 2024 England squad, the domestic transfer window continues to churn out its exciting rumours. Last season’s Premier League action had a lot of fans on the edge of their seats as clubs fought at both the top and bottom of the table.

Arsenal were once again left heartbroken as they fell short of another title, while Liverpool were unable to deliver a dream farewell for Jurgen Klopp. Manchester United struggled in attack and recorded the joint-worst goal return in the top 10, meanwhile Newcastle United fell short of a Champions League spot and Everton once again avoided relegation.

Each team remaining in the league will need to strengthen their ranks as they gear up for another scintillating season. Unsurprisingly, the relegated Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United are being targeted for summer moves. Premier League sides will be eyeing up potential bargain deals as those demoted to the Championship are reluctantly preparing to cash in on key players to both balance books and give those craving top flight football what they want.

Player swap deals aren’t too common these days but they are a smart way of both clubs agreeing on a switch that suits them both and their needs. So, 3 Added Minutes has taken a hypothetical look at a swap that could benefit two clubs and the players in question.

Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford has attracted a lot of attention following his efforts throughout the 2023/24 season. Despite the Clarets’ relegation, the shot-stopper is a prominent figure on the market right now and a number of top flight clubs are looking to snatch him up. Trafford was one of the seven players chopped from Southgate’s final England squad, but he has departed in very strong company, including James Maddison and Jack Grealish.

The 21-year-old only joined Turf Moor last summer but it is looking increasingly likely that he will move on following Burnley’s relegation, especially if a club willing to offer him a starting spot come knocking. A number of clubs have registered their interest — Liverpool being one of them. However, with Alisson still their first choice, the Reds would only be able to give Trafford a deputy role.

Newcastle are another English team keen on Trafford and they could be in a position to make him their main man. Loris Karius is departing when his contract expires this month and Martin Dúbravka has also been linked with a potential summer exit. This would leave just 32-year-old Nick Pope in the senior ranks, and the Magpies are keen on signing Trafford to provide competition for the England international.

In return, Newcastle could actually offer a selection of players for Burnley. Eddie Howe’s side have been considering summer sales for months now, as they look to keep on the right side of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.

News from Caught Offside earlier this year reported that Matt Targett could be on the chopping block this summer. The left-back has fallen significantly down the pecking order under Howe and dropping out of favour, plus his injury struggles limited him to just seven appearances across all competitions. At 28 with plenty of years left, Targett will be eager to secure first team football again and Burnley are currently on the market for new full-backs.

The rumour mill has linked the Clarets with several full-backs in recent weeks as they are set to lose both Lorenz Assignon and Charlie Taylor. The latter is currently Newcastle’s only senior natural left-back and once he leaves, it opens up Burnley’s need for a replacement. Targett is a left-back by trade and would be pretty much guaranteed a starting spot in the team. While competing in the Championship might not be his ideal move, the Clarets will be fighting for an immediate Premier League return and Targett could play a crucial role in making that happen.