Newcastle United are reportedly leading the race to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford this summer, according to Football Insider. The 23-year-old England international is seeking a move to secure regular first-team football after a challenging season at the Etihad Stadium.
Trafford returned to Manchester City last year after a successful spell at Burnley, with the club activating a matching rights clause in his previous deal. However, his return was quickly overshadowed by the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain, limiting his opportunities under Pep Guardiola. He has expressed his desire for more consistent playing time, stating, “You never know, whether I move, whether I don’t move, I do what’s right for me and my career.”
Newcastle’s interest in Trafford is not new, having previously been close to securing his signature before City intervened. The Magpies have already added Ewen Jaouen to their squad this summer in a £24 million deal from Stade de Reims, but Eddie Howe is still prioritizing a new number one goalkeeper. Aston Villa are also reportedly interested in Trafford, but Newcastle are currently considered the frontrunners.
Trafford’s situation has been complicated by his involvement with the England squad at the World Cup in North America, with his future expected to be resolved upon the tournament’s conclusion. The goalkeeper will reportedly seek assurances of a starting role at any club he joins. Manchester City are already considering replacements, with Sheffield Wednesday’s Pierce Charles identified as a potential option, as reported by TEAMtalk. This move would provide Trafford with the opportunity to establish himself as a Premier League number one, while addressing Newcastle’s need for a reliable goalkeeper.
