Overview
- Multiple outlets report Newcastle assessing Man City’s James Trafford, Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen and Lens’ Robin Risser with no first choice named yet.
- The club is targeting better passing from the goalkeeper to start attacks and let the back line play higher up the pitch.
- Trafford is understood to be open to joining after a near move last summer when Man City used matching rights, with rival interest reported from Aston Villa, Tottenham and other clubs.
- Verbruggen remains under consideration, though recent coverage notes a costly mistake against Newcastle and statistics for errors leading to goals this season.
- Newcastle scouts have tracked Risser all year and reports of any agreed fee have been dismissed, with the club prepared to phase in a young signing behind Pope if required.