Burnley FC receive potential James Trafford boost as Newcastle United, Borussia Dortmund transfer claim emerges | OneFootball

James Trafford has been expected to leave Burnley this summer, but one of his key suitors, Newcastle United, could soon be taken out of the race

Newcastle United are reportedly soon to hold talks with Borussia Dortmund over goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

That’s according to German outlet Fussball Transfers, who have revealed that representatives from the Magpies are set to meet with the goalkeeper’s agent in London soon.

Earlier this month, it was reported by Football Insider that Newcastle were about to enter “concrete” talks for Burnley gloveman James Trafford.

This recent pivot, therefore, would come as a significant boost for the Clarets in retaining one of their key players.

Newcastle eyeing new goalkeeper recruit amid interest in Burnley's James Trafford

Fussball Transfers have claimed that both Newcastle and Chelsea are making enquiries about Kobel.

The Switzerland international is thought to be keen on a move to the Premier League and, with Dortmund currently in sixth place in the Bundesliga, failure to secure Champions League football is thought to be a key element of the goalkeeper’s future.

Both Chelsea and Newcastle are on course to be able to satisfy those demands, with the former reportedly ready to table a bid of around €70m, which would make Kobel one of the most expensive goalkeepers in history.

It, therefore, will certainly not be an easy deal for the Magpies to get over the line, but it certainly has the potential to distract them from their Trafford pursuit.

Burnley's James Trafford has been a longstanding target for Newcastle

Between the sticks at Newcastle has long been touted as an area to upgrade for Eddie Howe’s side, with Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka sharing the honours at various points this season.

Before this Kobel update, Trafford has been a longstanding target of the Mapgies, having seen a bid worth up to £20million rejected for the young shotstopper last summer.

Their interest is not thought to have dampened at all during this campaign, with sources inside the club reportedly telling Football Insider that they view him as capable of being their no.1 for years to come.

Whether Newcastle continue their work on Trafford or throw everything behind Kobel remains to be seen.

It could prove a huge boost if Burnley can keep James Trafford

The high-profile distraction for Newcastle will certainly be music to the ears of those associated with Burnley.

There is no doubting how crucial Trafford has been to the Clarets this season, seeing him nominated for the EFL’s Championship Player of the Season award recently, a remarkable feat for a goalkeeper.

They have equalled the EFL record for the most clean sheets in a single season, conceding just 15 goals heading into the final day, having put together a run of 12 consecutive clean sheets during the season.

Trafford has been a huge part of Burnley’s notable defensive record, memorably saving two Wilson Isidor penalties in one game to keep that run alive.

Having secured promotion, the Clarets will need to maintain that strong rearguard for the intense Premier League challenge ahead; keeping Trafford, rather than having to recruit a replacement, would be a huge boost.