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.

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.”

⚪️⚫️ James Trafford, Newcastle current priority target as new goalkeeper.

Ramsdale and Mamardashvili are also in the list but both too expensive as things stand.

Talks with Burnley have started, as @CraigHope_DM reports; no agreement yet.

🔵👀 Man City have 20% sell-on clause. pic.twitter.com/idEZBgygDi

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 8, 2024

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