Newcastle United target James Trafford practices the 'dark arts' against Sunderland - On his way to Tyneside?

It looks as though Newcastle United are going to retain the services of Martin Dubravka this month which solves the short-term goalkeeper issue.

However, there's still a strong feeling that the Slovakian international will be let go in the summer with Newcastle still shopping around for a new long-term number one.

Nick Pope has been a quality signing for Newcastle, but his injury problems and inability to use his feet have caused issues lately.

Dubravka has been amazing since covering for Pope lately, but he does have one foot out of the door lately.

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James Trafford reportedly wants to join Newcastle - he showed it last night

Burnley's James Trafford has been linked with Newcastle since the summer, and while he's regained his place in the Burnley starting lineup as they hunt for promotion back to the Premier League, they are unlikely to sanction a move for the young England stopper this month.

That will suit Newcastle, though, as they have no intention of spending money in January.

However, rumours do suggest that Newcastle will go for the 22-year-old in the summer, and it seems as if Trafford himself is doing what he can to endear himself to the Geordie faithful ahead of a move.

James Trafford has mastered the 'dark arts'

On Friday night, Burnley and Sunderland played out a 0-0 draw but the scoreline could have been very different were it not for Trafford. The Burnley 'keeper saved two Sunderland penalties from Wilson Isidor.

It wasn't just the saves themselves, but the use of what many people have accused Newcastle of in the past - employing the 'dark arts' which, in my day, was just called time-wasting.

Trafford's antics before both spot kicks delayed their taking, and both times it worked to his advantage. Well, played, Trafford. The fact that you did it against Sunderland will certainly help Newcastle fans take to you if/when you make that move to the North East.