West Ham gearing up to challenge Newcastle United for signature of 22-year-old England star this summer

The summer transfer window is expected to be a big one for Newcastle United, with several key positions needing strengthening in the League Cup champions' squad.

Despite having a surplus of goalkeepers right now, that is one position that the club feels needs addressing with Nick Pope showing cracks lately.

Burnley's James Trafford has been widely tipped to join the Magpies this summer in a £20 million deal.

Indeed, there were reports earlier this year that the deal was done and ready to go when the window opens, but subsequent reports have labelled these rumours as premature.

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West Ham want to challenge Newcastle for James Trafford's signature

That could be good news for Graham Potter and West Ham who, according to TalkSPORT, are looking to challenge Newcastle for the young England keeper's signature this summer.

West Ham are in a similar position to Newcastle in that their squad is ageing, in fact, the Hammers have the oldest squad in the league, so they'll no doubt be looking to add youth to their ranks this summer.

They may struggle to lure Trafford away from the clutches of Newcastle, though as that deal has been mooted since last summer.

Newcastle are also keen on Caoimhin Kelleher

Newcastle also have an eye on Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher who was in goal for the Reds on Sunday as Newcastle beat the holders 2-1 at Wembley to lift the trophy.

Kelleher made a couple of good saves throughout the match but was caught in no-man's land when Dan Burn rose like a salmon to power home his header from distance.

Still, Kelleher is a quality keeper and would be a first-choice at most other clubs, Newcastle included, so we'd be happy with either Trafford or Kelleher.