Newcastle ‘put off Aaron Ramsdale transfer after balking at Arsenal’s asking price… but turn attention to England pal’

NEWCASTLE are eyeing Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford due to Arsenal ace Aaron Ramsdale’s heavy transfer fee.

The Magpies are looking for a keeper to provide competition for Eddie Howe’s No1 Nick Pope ahead of next season.

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The Toon have been keeping tabs on Ramsdale, 26, who has fallen out of favour at the Emirates with Mikel Arteta preferring David Raya between the sticks.

According to The Mail, however, the Geordies have been put off by the England international’s expensive release clause, which is said to be in the region of £30million.

That is why Newcastle have turned their attention on Trafford, 21, who would cost around £20m.

The Tyneside giants could also get the Euro 2024 hopeful in a deal that would include future incentives.

Nevertheless, Newcastle will be facing competition from Premier League foes Chelsea who have also been interested in Trafford.

Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili has also been touted but would cost about as much as Ramsdale.

Newcastle will have to be careful with finances in the summer transfer window.

The importance of adhering to Financial Fair Play rules has become greater after Howe’s side missed out on Europe following Manchester United’s FA Cup triumph.

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Pope is set to remain Newcastle’s No1 but the recent shoulder injury, which sidelined him for the entirety of the second round, made club officials understand the importance of a quality reserve option.

Trafford joined Burnley from Manchester City last summer following a £15m deal.

The young goalkeeper amassed a total of 28 Premier League appearances during his maiden season for the Clarets.

But he was then demoted to the bench during the second half of the campaign with Arijanet Muric taking his place.