Manchester City have dealt Newcastle yet another transfer blow by agreeing a deal to sign Burnley keeper James Trafford, after the Magpies attempted to snap up the England Under-21 star.
Pep Guardiola's side matched Newcastle's offer of £27million to sign their former academy prospect and now he looks set to head back to the Etihad, according to the Athletic. Newcastle were hoping to provide more competition to No 1 Nick Pope but will now have to look elsewhere.
Trafford helped Burnley secure promotion to the Premier League under Scott Parker this season but has agreed a five-year deal with his boyhood club - two years after leaving them to Turf Moor.
The reportsays Trafford also has the option for a further year as City pounced to secure a new shot-stopper amid doubts over current options Ederson and Stefan Ortega, who were both guilty of high profile errors last season.
There were previous reports that Ederson could be set for a move to the Saudi Pro League, but now he looks likely to stay - meaning Trafford will fight with him and Ortega for the No 1 jersey.
READ MORE: Newcastle stars break silence on Alexander Isak's Liverpool transfer as true feelings emerge
READ MORE: Alexander Isak to Liverpool: Newcastle striker's three options after transfer bombshell
It comes as yet another set-back to Newcastle in the transfer market after they missed out on the signing of Hugo Ekitike after Liverpool swooped to seal the French striker's signature for around £79m.
The Magpies are also facing the strong possibility of star striker Alexander Isak leaving the club after he told officials he wanted to explore his options this summer.
The Swedish star scored an impressive 27 goals last season, leading to interest from a host of top clubs across Europe - including Liverpool.
Newcastle are reportedly holding out for at least £150million for Isak and are in no rush to sell him given that he has three years left on his contract.
Howe has managed to get a new winger over the line after the arrival of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for £55m, but he will be desperate to ensure Isak stays at St James' Park with a huge season on the horizon and Champions League football to contend with.
Isak has not joined Newcastle on their pre-season tour of Asia after his transfer bombshell, while he is also nursing a hamstring injury, yet Howe remains confident he will be playing with the team come the start of the season.
Speaking after he left Isak out of Newcastle's pre-season defeat to Celtic last week, he said: "It’s difficult for me to give 100% clarity on any player. Alex is happy at Newcastle, he loves the players, the staff, the team. I’m confident he’ll be here at the start of the season.
"Yes, I’ve had discussions with him but that’s not abnormal. I respect a player’s career and how short it is. Alex has been really good, he’s trained really well and I realise there’ll be noise around him."
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