Newcastle United given opening to return for 2025 top target as 'dream' transfer update emerges
Newcastle United transfers: The Magpies could be given another shot at a 2025 target following the latest update.
James Trafford is ‘open’ to leaving Manchester City this summer in a bid to find more regular minutes, according to reports.
Trafford was a key figure in Burnley’s promotion from the Championship last season, keeping 29 clean sheets and conceding just 16 goals in 45 appearances to help the Clarets finish second.
That form brought plenty of summer interest, and Newcastle United were one of the sides most heavily linked with the goalkeeper, at one point looking set to complete the signing after Trafford had agreed personal terms.
However, Trafford eventually moved to the Etihad Stadium, while Newcastle signed Aaron Ramsdale on loan as competition for Nick Pope.
James Trafford eyeing Man City exit amid lack of minutes
It’s safe to say things haven’t gone to plan for the 23-year-old, however, with City choosing to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG following his arrival. As a result, Trafford has made just three Premier League appearances this term, all of which came in August before Donnarumma arrived.
Trafford has played another 11 times in cup competitions and was ever-present in their EFL Cup triumph. However, according to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the one-time England international is looking to leave the Etihad Stadium after just one season in order to become a first-choice goalkeeper.
Plettenberg added that Brighton view Trafford as a ‘dream target’ should they lose Bart Verbruggen this summer, adding that the player is on the shortlist of ‘several other English clubs’.
Though Ramsdale’s loan has a permanent option, neither he or Pope have fully convinced between the posts at St. James’ Park this season, and it’s looking increasingly likely that Newcastle will target a new goalkeeper - especially with Pope about to enter the final 12 months of his deal.
With that in mind, it would be a major shock if Newcastle don’t come back to the table for Trafford, given the admiration for him around Tyneside.
Howe was asked for his thoughts on Trafford ahead of Newcastle’s EFL Cup semi-final first-leg clash with Manchester City in mid-January, in which the stopper played the full 90 minutes and made two saves to keep a clean sheet for Pep Guardiola’s side, en route to a 2-0 victory.