Newcastle United’s search for a new first-choice goalkeeper could be heading back to square one after one of the club’s top targets moved closer to joining a Premier League rival on Thursday.
The Magpies have spent the past two summers pursuing former Burnley and current Man City goalie James Trafford, but the England international now appears increasingly likely to continue his career elsewhere.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Leeds United is in talks with Manchester City over a deal for
Trafford, with the 23-year-old leaning toward a move to Elland Road.
Ornstein reported Newcastle revived its interest in Trafford earlier this summer, even though Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder seemed to refute that idea of late, after unsuccessfully trying to sign him before his return to Manchester City last year.
Now, Leeds has emerged as the frontrunner for the netminder, with the report confirming that Trafford returned to City last season believing he would become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, only for Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival to leave him as the Italian’s understudy throughout the 2025-26 season.
While Ornstein made clear that Trafford remains Newcastle’s preferred goalkeeping target, he reported that Newcastle is already exploring alternatives, including Parma’s Zion Suzuki and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carl Rushworth, as the Cityzen inches closer to a Leeds move.
Trafford made 17 appearances for Manchester City last season, featuring throughout the club’s Carabao Cup and FA Cup triumphs. Before returning to the Etihad, he established himself as one of England’s most promising young goalkeepers during two standout seasons with Burnley, helping Scott Parker’s side earn promotion while conceding just 16 goals in 46 Championship matches.
If Trafford completes the move to Leeds, it would mark the second consecutive summer Newcastle has missed out on its No. 1 goalkeeper target.
Newcastle recently signed 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen, but the Frenchman is viewed as a long-term investment rather than an immediate starter, while Nick Pope profiles as the current No. 1, albeit with an uncertain future in front of him.
