Newcastle have made England international their 'number one priority' this summer

Newcastle United have made a goalkeeper their 'priority target' this summer as they look to provide competition for Nick Pope, according to reports.

The Magpies lost 1,950 days to injuries during the 2023/24 campaign, which was almost 200 more than any other Premier League club.

Back in March, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles suffered season-ending ACL injuries, while No.1 goalkeeper Pope missed a large portion of the campaign after dislocating his shoulder in December.

Pope made a welcome return for their final league game against Brentford but his absence arguably played a role in Eddie Howe's side missing out on European football.

In fact, it seems they want to avoid that scenario happening again with the addition of another goalkeeper – Burnley and England goalkeeper James Trafford.

Trafford, who was recently dropped from England's final 26-man squad for Euro 2024, is seen as a player who could rival Pope rather than come in as a replacement, say the Daily Mail.

In fact, the publication suggest Eddie Howe's side have submitted an offer worth £16 million for the Cockermouth-born goalkeeper, although the Championship side are holding out for £20 million.

Talks have taken place between both clubs this week.

Chelsea are also said to be keen on making a move for the talented shot-stopper, who only joined Burnley from Manchester City last summer for £15 million.

Liverpool and Bayern Munich have also been tracking the 21-year-old's progress.

Image credit: Getty

Back in March, after he received his first call-up to play for England's first-team, Trafford was praised by then-Burnley boss Vincent Kompany.

“We’re very proud of it as a club to have a player in the England team," he said.

"I don’t think there’s a greater honour for a club. But I’ve told you this so many times about the fact he will be a very good goalkeeper for England.

“At this moment in time, we only take it as a positive and everything else is just for him to keep progressing and keep fighting for his spot.”

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale was initially named on Newcastle's shortlist, but is valuation was deemed to high.

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