West Ham United have reportedly joined Newcastle in the race for England and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.

Graham Potter wants to rebuild West Ham into a young, hungry and creative side this summer and where better to start than in net. The former Brighton boss wants to bring James Trafford to East London to begin his rebuild. But how likely is the signing?

The 22-year-old England International has been by-far the best goalkeeper in the Championship this season and he could be a brilliant addition at the London Stadium. He has been one of the man part of a record-breaking Burnley team, beating the Championship record for most clean sheets in a season with 27 with eight matches remaining.

The Hammers’ current goalkeeping options have an average age of 35 – Alphonse Areola, Lukasz Fabianski and Wes Foderingham. At the very least, Graham Potter needs to offload one of these goalkeepers. It would make sense to move on 39-year=old Fabianski as his contract is expiring, however, the former Poland International is still the perfect back-up keeper and its unlikely Areola will want to stick around as back-up to the new number one.

Also, if Areola is sold he could adds some much needed funds to the transfer kitty. The Hammers need to sell players to buy this summer after spending a lot of money in previous transfer windows which could potentially make a move for Trafford unlikely.

Being 22-years-old, and England International and potentially a Premier League player nest season, Trafford would probably cost at least £30m to sign from the Clarets this summer which almost certainly rules the Hammers out, unless a huge sale is made, which looks very unlikely at this point.

A move for a cheaper goalkeeper would make more sense, if Potter and Macauley can find a gem in Europe or we go for someone Premier League proven like Caoimhin Kelleher or Aaron Ramsdale who will likely be available on a cut-price deal when Southampton are inevitably relegated.