Newcastle United complete a deal for their second summer signing, it’s not James Trafford

Newcastle United have agreed a deal to make their second signing of the summer transfer window, but it is not Burnley’s James Trafford like many would have expected.

With the transfer window now approaching its third week, Eddie Howe and his recruitment team have been hard at work trying to find players to improve his starting XI.

One player who has been heavily linked with a move to Tyneside is Burnley’s James Trafford. The 22-year-old is coming off a record-breaking season in the Championship, but now looks like he will move on. Newcastle United have agreed personal terms with Trafford, so it is down to the two clubs to agree on a transfer fee for the England international.

Nick Pope told Trafford he will see him soon on social media, suggesting that a deal is close and the Newcastle players are now just awaiting his arrival. The shot-stopper is a long-term target of the Newcastle manager, and it looks like he will finally get his man this summer.

With Newcastle closing in on a deal for Trafford, it has been confirmed that they have agreed a surprise deal for someone else who will become their second summer signing.While first-team signings are the priority, Newcastle are still looking to add more promising young players to their roster.

Antonio Cordero has signed for Newcastle on a free transfer, and the Magpies have now agreed a deal to sign a 16-year-old talent from Scottish Premiership side Rangers.

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Newcastle have agreed a deal to sign Alfie Hutchison, a young attacker who picked up three caps with Scotland’s Under-15s in 2023, scoring twice.On the deal, Romano said on X: “Newcastle complete deal to sign talent Alfie Hutchison from Rangers, agreement in place. #NUFC beat several PL clubs to secure the 16-year-old striker for the Academy.At his age, Hutchison will likely be a big part of Newcastle’s Under-18 squad next season, in which he will get the opportunity to impress Howe. Newcastle have a system in place to help young players move into the first-team squad within 24 months, but at his age he may have to wait a while before he becomes part of that.With Hutchison joining, and other young players believed to be following him through the door this summer, it is clear that Newcastle are going all out to improve their academy.

Before Newcastle’s ownership changed in 2021, the academy was neglected, and the young Magpies struggled in the leagues. However, it is a much different case now, with more quality players joining the club each year.Hutchison is not the only young Rangers star set to join Newcastle this summer. Reports in recent months have stated that Newcastle are close to signing young midfielder Oliver Goodbrand from the Scottish side. The 2009-born left-back has impressed in Rangers’ youth setup and is set to be announced later in the window.

Elsewhere, Newcastle have confirmed the signing of Vakhtang Salia. The striker will join the Magpies in August when he turns 18.