£71m trio visit at St James' Park as Newcastle United weigh up goalkeeper bid

St James’ Park played host to England on Monday night with everyone except Kieran Trippier experiencing the stadium for the first time as a home player.

And among the Three Lions ranks were players who have been linked with a move to Newcastle United this summer. Here, NewcastleWorld takes a closer look at those names and why the speculation is surrounding them.

Jarrod Bowen

The West Ham United forward played a full 90 minutes as he lined up in a four-man attack featuring Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze and Ollie Watkins.

Newcastle have been long-term admirers of Bowen going back to his Hull City days, and his achievements in East London has significantly increased his stock.

During his four-and-a-half years with West Ham so far, the 27-year-old has made 202 appearances and netted 60 times, including the goal that clinched the Europa Conference League title last year. Bowen followed that up with 20 goals last season.

Bowen has also established himself as an England international. If Newcastle are to somehow prize him away from the London Stadium, then it’d take an almighty offer.

And that is why there is a feeling the Magpies have missed the boat with Bowen. In January 2020, the winger agreed to join United from Hull but then former owner Mike Ashley refused to meet the asking price.

Bowen explained: “Deadline day, I had nothing. I thought I was going to Newcastle because Steve Bruce was there - I was looking for houses and everything, I thought it was nailed on!

“But they said ‘we’re not paying the money’. I was like ‘alright, I’ll just stay at Hull’. The fee was £14million with £6m add-ons. One of them was an England call up but I was like ‘that’ll never happen!’

“I went to training as normal on deadline day and thought I was staying at Hull but I got there the manager said ‘what are you doing here? We’ve accepted a bid from West Ham’. I was like ‘what’. I didn’t even know there was interest.”

Aaron Ramsdale

Ramsdale is already well known to Howe after signing him for AFC Bournemouth from Sheffield United. He made 37 appearances during Howe’s final season in charge before returning for Bramall Lane in 2020 for £18.5million.

The 26-year-old spent just the one season back in South Yorkshire after joining Arsenal in a deal that could still rise to £30m.

Ramsdale was the Gunners’ No.1 for 12 months until David Raya was brought in from Brentford and his limited game time last term means he is open to leaving this summer.

The transfer fee Arsenal would demand is currently unclear. Given Ramsdale’s lack of appearances in 2023-23 - 11 in total - he would likely command assurances, meaning Nick Pope No.1 jersey would be under threat.

James Trafford

Trafford is under consideration and would likely arrive as an understudy to Pope. Indeed, that seems like reasonable solution when you consider Trafford is still only 21 and still has a lot to learn following a difficult season at Burnley.

Having impressed during a loan spell at Bolton Wanderers before starring in England under-21s European Championship win last year, the Clarets paid £19m to sign Trafford from Manchester City last summer.

He started the campaign as Burnley’s No.1 but was dropped for the remaining 12 games. Nevertheless, he remains a highly-rated prospect, as endorsed by his call-up to England’s preliminary Euro 2024.

With Loris Karius gone and Martin Dubravka’s future uncertain, Newcastle will need a goalkeeper, and Howe must decide whether to sign a starter and disturb Pope, or recruit someone like Trafford who is young and can still development.