Newcastle United's interest in Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford remains very active as they consider parting company with Martin Dubravka this month. The Slovakian star looks set to move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab.

Manager Eddie Howe admitted in the aftermath of their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg win over Arsenal that he wanted to keep Dubravka, but knows that PSR difficulties and 'business logic' may mean the 35-year-old leaves Tyneside in the coming days. A meeting with football chief Paul Mitchell was scheduled to discuss the situation.

Should Dubravka depart, Mitchell & Co must decide whether to make a move to replace him, or count on summer signing Odysseas Vlachodimos. and veteran John Ruddy as back-ups to first choice Nick Pope, who is expected to return from injury this month. Pope has been out for seven games with a knee injury picked up against Brentford.

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England Under-21 star Trafford remains the club's preferred choice to replace Dubravka in the long term, and believe the 22-year-old has the ability to challenge Pope for the No.1 jersey. However, the likes of Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has been mentioned as another possible target.

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman, however, has watched a lot of Trafford in recent years, and believes the youngster would be perfect for Newcastle. This is despite Trafford having a difficult spell in the Premier League last season as Burnley were relegated and he was dropped from the side by manager Vincent Kompany.

The former Man City trainee has bounced back this term, and is part of a Clarets side pushing for an instant return to the top flight. His form - and their strong position - means EFL expert Goodman believes only a huge bid would be enough to entice Burnley to cash in on the player this month, and even at the end of the season too.

"It would take a huge amount of money to tempt Burnley to sell James Trafford, especially in the situation (challenging for promotion) that they are in," he told Plejmo.com.

"You've got to remember he's still 22 and he's already played over 130 senior games. It didn't quite go to plan in the Premier League last season, as part of a team which left him exposed. It must have been a humbling experience for him and he made mistakes.

"Vincent Kompany took him out for a small spell but he's been sensational this season. Burnley are breaking records, conceding only nine goals in 25 games with 16 clean sheets. He's played a key part in that and I think Trafford will be a Premier League player with or without Burnley next season.

"It would take a huge amount of money, though. Nick Pope has had his struggles with injury so Trafford could be a brilliant fit for Newcastle United. I think he'll go on to have a stellar career in the Premier League."