Exclusive: Newcastle ready new James Trafford move, this is key to agreement
Newcastle United could launch a fresh move for James Trafford if they opt against turning Aaron Ramsdale’s loan spell into a permanent deal, sources have told Football Insider.
The Magpies are still keeping tabs on the 23-year-old goalkeeper as he struggles for gametime at Manchester City, and could be prepared to take their interest to the next level in the summer.
Trafford is unhappy at the Etihad Stadium and could push for a move at the end of the season, and sources say that Eddie Howe and Co. could be willing to facilitate that if Ramsdale returns to Southampton.
Trafford opted to join the Citizens over a move to Tyneside when he left Burnley last summer, but it could be a different story this time around, with Gianluigi Donnarumma cemented as City’s number one.
Premier League battle to emerge for James Trafford deal
Football Insider revealed last week that Aston Villa have got their eyes on a move for Trafford amid ongoing uncertainty over Emiliano Martinez’s long-term future.
Leeds United have also been tipped as a potential candidate to step forward for the England hopeful, as Daniel Farke is concerned about the quality of his options between the posts at the moment.
Trafford looks set to be at the centre of a major transfer battle in the summer, as clubs prepare to fight each other to secure a promising young goalkeeper, who is classed as a homegrown player in relation to the Premier League’s squad registration rules.
Newcastle look set to potentially add to that competition for his signature even further, with Nick Pope’s future at the club uncertain ahead of his contract expiring in the summer.
The Magpies undoubtedly have the funds to be able to tempt City into a sale, and with Trafford’s intentions to move again already clear, the ingredients could be there for a deal to take place.
- Read More: Sources: Newcastle could miss out on re-signing Elliot Anderson as new favourite revealed
Latest on Elliot Anderson’s potential return to Newcastle
Football Insider revealed last week that Newcastle’s chances of re-signing Elliot Anderson have taken a big hit, with Manchester City now favourites to sign him.
The 23-year-old midfielder has become one of the Premier League’s most sought-after players since he left St James’ Park to join Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2024, and his boyhood club have recently been keen to bring him back.
However, Anderson has been attracting interest from almost all of the Premier League’s elite so far this term, and it is expected that Newcastle will be outpaid when it comes to the race for his signature.
Howe’s men also look unlikely to be able to offer Champions League football as a way of convincing Anderson to return to his first club, as their chances of striking a deal now look increasingly slim.