James Trafford makes Newcastle United U-turn after accepting Manchester City move
Newcastle United’s 12-month pursuit of James Trafford looks set to end in defeat.
James Trafford has ‘accepted’ a move to Manchester City as Newcastle United look set to miss out on their long-term target.
The Magpies were close to agreeing a fee for Trafford earlier this month before Burnley unexpectedly moved the goalposts. Since then, talks have failed to progress.
Trafford has looked destined to join Newcastle since last summer when he first agreed a move. But United were forced to pull a deal when Nottingham Forest demanded Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos as part of the PSR swindle that saw Elliot Anderson move to the City Ground.
The 22-year-old stayed at Turf Moor and enjoyed a record-breaking campaign in the Championship as he kept 29 clean sheets and conceded just 16 goals to help Scott Parker’s side earn promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
Following fresh negotiations this summer, an agreement between Burnley and Newcastle had been widely expected. However, that is looking increasingly unlikely now.
James Trafford ‘accepts’ Manchester City move
Just two years after selling Trafford to Burnley for £19million, Man City have made contact over re-signing the Cumbria-born goalkeeper with a deal dependent on either Ederson or Stefan Ortega leaving.
Turkish giants Galatasaray are understood to be weighing up an offer for Ederson.
Man City are understood to have a buy-back clause of around £40m but are keen to negotiate below that figure, which could be aided by their 20% sell-on clause.
Trafford had agreed personal terms with Newcastle but according to Fabrizio Romano has now ‘accepted’ a return to the Etihad.
Romano wrote on X: “More on James Trafford and Man City exclusive story. Understand Trafford has accepted to return to Man City if the two clubs will reach an agreement, he’s keen on the move.
“#MCFC in talks with Burnley to reduce £40m buy back clause + deal still depends on GK exit.”
Trafford did not travel with Burnley for their recent training camp in Portugal and has trained alone in the UK. On Thursday evening, Trafford took to Instagram to post an image of himself in the Represent HQ gym back in Bolton with the message: “On a mission.”
Newcastle United’s stance on James Trafford after Man City approach
While a deal for Trafford is still not being ruled out, Newcastle are prepared to move on from their long pursuit.
The Magpies are understood to be comfortable with their current goalkeeping situation. As it stands, Nick Pope is the number one, supported by Martin Dubravka. Vlachodimos, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie complete the five-man goalkeeper department.
James Trafford opens up on failed Newcastle United move
Opening up on last year’s failed move to Newcastle, Trafford told Fozcast: “In the summer I think people knew I wanted to move. “The club that I was close to going, it was a good fit for me. It was brilliant for me and I really believed in it.
“I wanted to move, not just because I didn’t want to play in the Championship, I had no shame playing in the Championship. I have no ego to think I’m better than the Championship. You only prove something by performing and showing people. You can say whatever you want but unless you perform.
“It was just when an opportunity and a situation you think suits you can happen, you should take it and you should try and go for it, so I wanted to move. It was close but it didn’t end up happening.”