Newcastle United are reportedly preparing to revive their interest in Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford next January, a move that could bring stability between the two sides as they look to make up for a slow start to the season.
According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are once again ready to launch a formal bid for the 23-year-old, who appears increasingly keen on leaving the Etihad amid limited minutes.
Trafford returned to City in the summer with hopes of competing for the number one spot.
The club activated their buy-back clause and paid £27m to bring him back after an impressive promotion campaign with Burnley, in which he kept 30 clean sheets in the 2024-25 Championship season.
James Trafford wants more playing time
He started the season as first choice and started the first few Premier League games. But all that changed when City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma on deadline day.
Since then, Donnarumma has cemented his place as the undisputed number one, while Trafford has been relegated to the bench, making just a handful of appearances in all competitions.
Trafford is reported to be open to leaving City in January in order to aim for a regular start elsewhere, given his ambitions both at the club and in terms of maintaining his path to the England squad.
Newcastle United target Trafford transfer in January
Newcastle United, who have a long-term interest in the English goalkeeper, are ready to try their luck again to sign him in the January transfer window.
Newcastle’s current goalkeeping situation is congested and unstable. The club already has two veteran goalkeepers in Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale, both of whom are vying for a place in the first team.
This means Newcastle will have to make difficult decisions that could potentially see them adjusting their entire goalkeeping hierarchy to accommodate Trafford.
Newcastle open to signing midfielder following interest from Crystal Palace
