Newcastle United are gearing up to make a move for Manchester City shot-stopper James Trafford as they look to beat Leeds United and Aston Villa to his signature.
James Trafford’s future has become a massive talking point as his return to Manchester City hasn’t gone as planned. The English shot-stopper is ready to part ways with Pep Guardiola’s team, and there is no shortage of interest in him.
Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Leeds United are all keen on his signature, as they look to bolster their backline with a quality goalkeeper. According to a report from Football Insider, the Magpies are ready to make a fresh move for the former Burnley star as they look to beat Villa and Leeds to his signature.
Trafford came up the ranks at Manchester City and got promoted to their first team in the summer of 2023. With Ederson ahead of him in the pecking order, he ended up moving to Burnley in search of a more prominent role.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper did wonders for the Clarets during his two-year loan spell. On the back of his impressive performances, City decided to bring him back last summer, with Ederson leaving the club. They forked out £27 million plus add-ons to re-sign Trafford.
The English shot-stopper returned to the club with hopes of being their new number one. However, City ended up signing Gianluigi Donnarumma late in the window, and Trafford has been a backup for the majority of the season.
Premier League clubs are set to battle for Trafford
The 23-year-old is frustrated by the lack of game time, and he is already considering leaving the club at the end of the season. Newcastle, Aston Villa and Leeds have emerged as the biggest contenders for his signature.
With Emiliano Martinez’s future uncertain, Villa are looking at him as an ideal replacement for the Argentine World Cup winner. Meanwhile, Leeds seek an upgrade in goal, and Trafford could be an exceptional signing for them.
However, both clubs will face stiff competition from Newcastle, who are ready to make a move. If they decide against making Aaron Ramsdale’s loan move permanent, the Magpies are ready to launch a fresh move for Trafford.
The Tyneside club are keeping tabs on his situation and are ready to step up their interest in the summer. With Nick Pope’s future at the club uncertain, the Magpies could go all out for the City shot-stopper.
