Newcastle open talks with Burnley over £40m-rated James Trafford – as Magpies make another move for keeper after failing to sign him last summer

Newcastle have spoken to Burnley about goalkeeper James Trafford but an initial asking price of close to £40million means a deal is not close, Mail Sport understands.

The England stopper, 22, had communicated that he was willing to join the Magpies last summer but they could not agree a package with the Clarets, who subsequently won promotion back to the Premier League.

The clubs have spoken again this month but sources say that a deal, as it stands, is some way off. 

It is hoped that a compromise will eventually be reached with Trafford still keen on the move, but it could be a transfer that drags on into the summer.

Eddie Howe wants the bulk of the club’s business done before they return for pre-season training in early July but, with the club currently operating with an outgoing chief executive and sporting director, progress has been slow. 

The club are still pursuing a deal for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga.

Eddie Howe’s side have opened talks for the goalkeeper but a deal is not thought to be close

England international Trafford won promotion back to the Premier League with Burnley