West Ham to make ‘serious move’ to sign Burnley star James Trafford
West Ham could make a splash in the summer transfer market with an England international star.
Graham Potter is set to head up a major rebuild to the squad that he inherited from Julen Lopetegui when he took over at the London Stadium.
The Hammers have conceded 52 goals in 31 Premier League matches this season with only the four sides below them in the table allowing more.
As a result, Potter may well be in the market for a new goalkeeper and a solution may have been found to solve the Irons’ woes.
West Ham to make Trafford approach
Potter and recruitment chief Kyle Macauley have identified the goalkeeper position as one that needs to be solidified ahead of the new season.
A report from EXWHUEmployee (8 April) claims that the Hammers have their sights set on a move for Burnley stopper James Trafford.
It states that the England international is a player that the Irons admire and the East London club could make a “serious push” for his signature at the end of the season.
Trafford would be a major improvement for West Ham
The Hammers ability to pull off a deal may well depend on whether Burnley secure promotion to the Premier League or fail to do so.
If they beat Leeds to an automatic promotion spot, then they will be in the division themselves and the 22-year-old may see it as a lateral move.
| Stats | Areola | Trafford |
| Matches | 20 | 39 |
| Clean sheets | 3 | 27 |
| Goals conceded | 32 | 12 |
| Pass accuracy | 66.4% | 70.3% |
If the Clarets stay in the second tier then it may give the Irons the chance to offer him a step up and secure their future between the sticks for the long term with a homegrown star.
Scott Parker’s side have an excellent defensive record, conceding just 12 goals in 40 league matches and the Three Lions ace has been a major factor in that record, keeping 27 clean sheets.
He struggled in the top-flight last time out with the Clarets but the stunning campaign that he is having at the moment suggests that he has banished those demons and he would be an upgrade on Alphonse Areola and Lukas Fabianksi, given his age and shot-stopping and passing abilities.