Manchester United plotting to hijack Newcastle’s deal for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford | OneFootball

Manchester United could reportedly make an attempt to leapfrog Premier League rivals Newcastle to the signing of Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.

United may be forced to dip into the market for a new reliable goalkeeper amidst uncertainty over the future of Andre Onana under Ruben Amorim.

Like many of his teammates, Onana has endured a tumultuous season but his errors – some of which have dearly cost United – have intensified over the past few weeks.

During Wednesday’s 3-2 win over Ipswich Town, the Cameroonian was arguably at fault for all two goals his side conceded. Just four minutes into the match, Onana came rushing out of his line, as Patrick Dorgu ran towards him and as the defender nudged the ball towards where he expected Onana to be, it gifted Jaden Philogene with an easy tap-in.

Moments before the break, Philogene drew the Tractor Boys level, as his cross slipped past Onana — the keeper wrong-footed by a Liam Delap run.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Onana’s future at Old Trafford is “hanging in the balance.” The Red Devils have been linked to a number of potential replacements for him including Joan Garcia (Espanyol), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton and Hove Albion), John Victor (Botafogo) and Senne Lammens (Royal Antwerp), just to mention a few names.

Now, GIVEMESPORT report that Trafford has appeared on United’s radar.

It’s believed that Newcastle have been working on a deal for Trafford, having scouted him multiple times but United are prepared to leapfrog them to the front of the queue to his signature.

According to GMS, Ruben Amorim is growing “increasingly frustrated” with Onana’s errors, leading to there being a possibility of a swoop for Trafford.

“Manchester United could hijack Newcastle’s move for Trafford when the transfer window reopens for business in the summer, according to GMS sources, and they may attempt to sweeten the deal by making it clear that he would have the opportunity to make himself Amorim’s first-choice option between the sticks.”

“His admirers at St James’ Park have become increasingly confident of being able to get the deal over the line following a lengthy pursuit. But, in a significant twist, GMS sources have been informed that Manchester United have refused to rule out the possibility of frustrating Newcastle by reigniting negotiations for Trafford’s services after they initially showed interest when he suffered relegation to the Championship last year.”

“GMS sources have been told that Manchester United could still take advantage of a window of opportunity to make a move for Trafford if they decide to look more intensely at their options, despite Newcastle appearing to be making progress in their attempts to lure him to St James’ Park ahead of next term.”

The news outlet notes that Trafford is valued at £30m. However, the Clarets are under no immediate pressure to sell him because the shot-stopper still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.

It’s understood Burnley are determined to keep him unless their valuation is met.

It’s easy to see why Trafford is wanted by two of the Premier League’s biggest teams. In the 33 Championship games he’s played this term, he has kept a mind-boggling 24 clean sheets. He has only let in nine goals this term.

With Trafford in goal, the Clarets have conceded the fewest goals after 34 games in the history of English League football, two goals fewer than Liverpool in the 1978/79 campaign.

The all-time best defensive record over a whole season was 15 goals conceded by Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in 2004/05 (38 games) and the Preston team in the first-ever Football League season back in 1888/89 (22 games). The record by any side in a 46-game season was Tony Pulis’ Gillingham side in 1995/96 (fourth tier), conceding 20 goals.

Following Burnley’s 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday last Friday, Trafford has registered 12 consecutive league clean sheets. The last time he was beaten was December 21, during a 2-1 victory over Watford. Some of his saves in that run have been nothing short of ridiculous, including saving two penalty kicks in a goalless draw with Sunderland last month.

Burnley are currently third in the Championship, seven points below table leaders Leeds United and two points adrift of Sheffield United in second.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils are back in action on Sunday when they take on Fulham in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Featured image Molly Darlington via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social