Newcastle United’s pursuit of James Trafford may have received an unexpected boost from Premier League rivalAston Villa.
According to Chronicle Live’s Stuart Jamieson, Villa has decided not to entertain offers for first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, a move that could effectively remove the Villans from the race for Manchester City’s England international.
Chronicle Live reported that Aston Villa “intend to turn down offers” for Martinez despite renewed speculation linking the Argentine with
a move away from Villa Park.
That decision is significant because both Newcastle and Villa have been credited with interest in Trafford, who is expected to assess his future after England’s World Cup campaign is over.
Newcastle has tracked the 23-year-old for more than a year. The Magpies held positive discussions with Trafford’s representatives while he was still at Burnley, only for Manchester City to activate a buy-back clause before a deal could materialize at the 11th hour.
Since returning to City, however, Trafford has found his opportunities limited due to the unexpected arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma last summer, and is now believed to be looking for regular first-team football elsewhere.
Chronicle Live reports that Villa’s stance on Martinez could leave Newcastle in a stronger position, although Chelsea remains another potential suitor.
All we know is that Newcastle needs another goalkeeper even after signing Ewen Jaouen earlier this summer, as the Frenchman is viewed as one for the future, while Odysseus Vlachodimos has returned to Sevilla on loan, Aaron Ramsdale has gone back to Southampton after his loan spell, and both John Ruddy and Max Thompson have departed.
Meanwhile, Nick Pope has attracted interest from Leeds United and Ipswich Town, but Newcastle is expected to secure a new No. 1 before considering selling Pope and risking having no backup plan to make up for that.
