Burnley are set to break their transfer record to sign young Cumbrian goalkeeper James Trafford.
Reports tonight say the Clarets are closing in on a £19m deal for the Manchester City keeper.
Trafford, who was in Carlisle United's academy before joining City aged 11, has been the subject of "advanced" talks between the two clubs.
That's according to sources including Sky Sports News and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Burnley are in advanced talks with Manchester City over the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford for a club record £19m 💰🔁 pic.twitter.com/J6PQCfye8z
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 3, 2023
And further reports say a fee has now been agreed ahead of the move being finalised.
Trafford, from Greysouthen, is currently starring for England's Under-21s in the European Championships.
Burnley boss Vincent Kompany wants to make the 20-year-old part of his plans for life back in the Premier League after last season's promotion.
Trafford, who has kept four straight clean sheets in the Euros, impressed on loan in League One with Bolton Wanderers last season, after a previous loan with Accrington Stanley.
He has been linked with other clubs such as Leicester City, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough.
But Burnley appear to be making a decisive move in the race for the talented Cumbrian.
A multi-million pound deal would be of benefit to Carlisle United through the terms of Trafford's move from Brunton Park to Man City.
But Blues chief executive Nigel Clibbens last week played down the prospect of lucrative proceeds for United.
Burnley are closing in on James Trafford deal. Talks are very advanced, expected to be done soon for £14m fee plus add ons. It’s almost done, here we go soon 🟣 #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2023
Negotiations underway between the two clubs with player keen on the move. pic.twitter.com/huokVUdhPx
Speaking at a fans' forum, the director said: “On James Trafford, he went around the time of EPPP [the Elite Player Performance Plan], so the deal was determined around that – there are specific rules and percentages on what you get. So we get a small percentage from him."
At a time fellow former Blues academy keeper Dean Henderson, of Manchester United, is also the subject of strong transfer talk, Clibbens added: “The cash we could earn from the two goalkeeper deals is not going to be transformational for this club."
Trafford and England U21s - whose squad also includes Cumbrian defender Jarrad Branthwaite - take on Israel in the Euro semi-finals on Wednesday.
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