Newcastle United have reopened communication with the advisers of Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford as the 23-year-old pushes for a January move, according to a report from Team Talk’s Fraser Fletcher.
Trafford’s return to the Etihad over the summer came after City activated a buy-back clause that blocked Newcastle’s attempted £20 million agreement with Burnley, but his expectation of competing for the No.1 role has not materialised.
Trafford has featured only in cup matches while being left out of Premier League action. His situation deteriorated when Manchester City completed the surprise signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day. That move immediately closed Trafford’s pathway to the starting role he believed was within reach.
Fletcher reported that Trafford now views his season as “a wasted year” and has instructed his representatives to pursue an exit.
Sources close to the situation, according to Fletcher, described him as “desperate” for game time, with the lack of minutes jeopardising his chances of strengthening his England credentials ahead of the next World Cup.
Newcastle held advanced talks with Trafford’s camp in August before Guardiola intervened. The goalkeeper has been highly rated within Eddie Howe’s staff for two years, with the club viewing him as a long-term option in goal.
That view has not changed, and with Nick Pope managing a shoulder problem while depth remains thin, Newcastle have re-engaged Trafford’s advisers.
Guardiola addressed Trafford’s situation earlier in the season.
“Only I can say we are delighted he is here,” Guardiola said. “He will have to be ready in case we need him in the Premier League or Champions League. We have an incredible keeper who will be England No. 1 sooner or later.”
Fletcher reported that Newcastle are exploring a loan deal with a mandatory £25 million purchase clause, though a straight permanent move remains possible if valuations line up.
