Manchester City and Newcastle United are reportedly keen on signing 22-year-old English goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, James Trafford is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a goalkeeper in the summer transfer window. So, the 22-year-old Burnley shot-stopper has emerged as a target for the Tyneside outfit.

However, Manchester City’s entry into the picture has complicated matters for Newcastle United. The Citizens can re-sign the Englishman for £40 million due to a buyback clause in the agreement with Burnley. Meanwhile, Trafford has handed a boost to Manchester City and dealt a blow to the Magpies, as he is keen on returning to the Etihad in the summer transfer window.

James Trafford and his impact at Burnley

James Trafford has made considerable progress since joining Burnley from Manchester City in July 2023. While the 22-year-old endured a trial by fire in his debut season with the Clarets and could not stop conceding goals, his second campaign produced record-breaking figures.

The English goalkeeper kept 29 clean sheets in 45 EFL Championship appearances while conceding only 16 goals in the 2024/25 season, helping the Clarets secure Premier League promotion. So, Trafford’s stock has skyrocketed, with Newcastle United and Manchester City among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.

What next?

James Trafford has been on Newcastle United’s radar for over a year. The Tyneside outfit felt a summer move was possible after failing with approaches in the last two transfer windows. With Nick Pope on the wrong side of 30 and dealing with a few recent fitness issues, the Magpies need a new goalkeeper. So, Trafford emerged as a viable target for Newcastle United.

As for Manchester City, the Citizens wasted no time in beginning negotiations to re-sign Trafford only two years after selling him to Burnley. With Ederson Moraes facing an uncertain future at the Etihad, Manchester City must identify a new first-choice goalkeeper. In addition, recent reports have claimed that Stefan Ortega is a target for Burnley, and he may swap bases with the English shot-stopper, who can return with a buyback clause of £40 million.

The latest report has boosted Manchester City’s prospects, as the 22-year-old English goalkeeper is keen on rejoining the Citizens in the summer transfer window. As for Newcastle United, the Magpies must look elsewhere for a new stopper unless they can turn Trafford’s head in the coming days.