Newcastle United close to agreeing loan move for England goalkeeper - Fabrizio Romano
Last week, Newcastle United missed out on signing James Trafford from Burnley, with Manchester City activating their buy-back clause.
Despite James Trafford being excited to join Newcastle United ever since the deal for him to join the Magpies last summer collapsed, Trafford opted to return to Man City after speaking to Pep Guardiola, leaving Newcastle with egg on their face yet again this summer.
Martin Dubravka had stayed behind while the rest of the squad jetted off to Asia as the plan was to use the Slovakian as a deal sweetener for Burnley, but now that the deal is off, Dubravka is joining up with his teammates in South Korea.
Reports had suggested that it was Trafford or nobody for Eddie Howe when it came to a goalkeeper, insisting that Howe is happy with what he has if he can't have Trafford, but now it seems that's not exactly true.
It has been reported today that Newcastle are to return for Aaron Ramsdale, who, like Trafford, has been linked with the Magpies many times.
Keith Downie posted on X that Newcastle were keen on Ramsdale, and Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a loan move with an option to buy is close.
🚨⚪️⚫️ Aaron Ramsdale already said yes to Newcastle and official bid has been sent to Southampton.
High loan fee, salary covered and buy option clause. Southampton open to accepting but want higher fee.
Deal expected to happen. #NUFC
The Toon Army haven't reacted overly positively to the news
With three relegations under Ramsdale's belt now, Newcastle fans' reaction to the news hasn't exactly been positive, with many wondering if the England star has what it takes to usurp Nick Pope as number one.
Some fans even pointed to an interview with Ian Wright in which Ramsdale admitted to having ADHD and said he can't concentrate for 90 minutes. Although he does go on to explain that he has ways of coping so that he can concentrate, it has still been flagged by fans as a concern.
The way I'm looking at it is that Eddie Howe clearly likes him, and he's not made a poor signing yet. He obviously sees something in him. Also, the 27-year-old has been in and out of the England setup, so clearly Howe isn't the only one who has seen the talent there.
Would I have preferred James Trafford? Absolutely. But I also have a soft spot for Ramsdale, and I'm not as opposed to the move as many other fans seem to be.
