Newcastle transfer news gives Burnley FC key advantage over Leeds United in promotion race | OneFootball

James Trafford has been targeted by the Magpies throughout January, but their interest has cooled handing the Clarets the advantage in the title race.

Burnley have been incredible defensively this season, and they currently top the table in terms of clean sheets and goals conceded.

Scott Parker's side have flattered to deceive in front of goals in games at points, but their ability to keep their opposition away from their own box has ensured that they remain in the battle for promotion.

The Clarets have conceded only four games at home this season, although they have now drawn more games than they have won at Turf Moor, but their unbeaten run on their own patch has now reached the 13-game mark after a 0-0 draw against Sunderland last Friday.

Burnley had their goalkeeper to thank for the point, with James Trafford saving two Wilson Isidor penalties in the final minutes of the match to help secure an important point for his side. However, there have been fears about his future at the club, with Newcastle United showing an interest, but this looks to have been put on hold for now.

Newcastle's transfer development benefits Burnley greatly

The 22-year-old has been excellent this season after a tough campaign for the Clarets in the Premier League in 2023/24, and he has proven to be one of the best shot-stoppers in the division.

His performance against the Black Cats showed just how far he has come in his development in the last year, and he was able to make two excellent stops against Isidor and transfer all the pressure on to the forward for both penalties.

It is not a surprise to see that Newcastle have been interested in Trafford for the majority of the campaign, and keeping hold of him will only be a benefit for Burnley going forward.

The Magpies made a £16m bid for the goalkeeper in the summer, but this was rejected by the Clarets as they prepared for life back in the Championship, and despite targeting him once again this month, they are now willing to wait until the end of the season, as per the Athletic.

This is a huge boost for Parker, with Trafford a key reason behind his side's push for promotion, and his leadership from the back will be incredibly useful in the final few months of the campaign.

Trafford staying gives Burnley an advantage over Leeds

The battle for promotion is incredibly tight in the Championship in 2024/25, with Leeds United, Sheffield United, Sunderland and Burnley separated by just a few points.

Therefore, Trafford staying at Turf Moor will be a blow to the Whites, who currently lead the way at the top of the division. They will want to see their rivals weakened as much as possible, especially with Daniel Farke having goalkeeping issues himself.

Illan Meslier has come under fire multiple times this season for mistakes between the sticks, and these situations are not happening for the other three sides pushing for the Premier League.

There is still a long way to go in the Championship, but Burnley have been handed a huge advantage for the rest of the season, and there is a high chance that they will stay with the pack as the weeks wear on.