Exclusive: Wolves register interest in James Trafford with double deal possible
Wolves have registered their interest in signing James Trafford from Manchester City in January, sources have told Football Insider.
Premier League clubs are racing to take the second-choice City goalkeeper on loan, although decision-makers at the Etihad Stadium are yet to decide whether to loan the 23-year-old out.
Manchester City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma in the summer, with the Italian quickly rising above Trafford in the pecking order.
Wolves are in the market for a new number one, with current number two Jose Sa potentially set to leave in January.
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday that West Ham are keeping tabs on Sa, as they look to provide competition for Alphonse Areola.
James Trafford keen to continue development elsewhere
Manchester City signed Trafford from Burnley in the summer, just two years after the shot-stopper had left the Etihad Stadium.
The England youth international enjoyed a brilliant season in the Championship with the Clarets, keeping 29 clean sheets in 45 appearances as Scott Parker’s side were promoted.
| James Trafford | Championship 2024-25 |
| Appearances | 45 |
| Goals conceded | 16 |
| Clean sheets | 29 |
| Save percentage | 84.6% |
| Penalties saved | 2 |
And with the pathway to a starting role at the Etihad Stadium becoming clear, the move looked to be a perfect one for Trafford.
Ederson had already made his feelings on an exit clear to Pep Guardiola, and the Brazilian was eventually granted his move to Fenerbahce.
Trafford started the season in between the sticks for the Citizens, but was dropped to the bench following the arrival of Donnarumma.
Just three appearances since August have stunted the goalkeeper’s development, with the 23-year-old now keen to leave the club in January.
Wolves seeking a miracle as relegation looms
Problems engulf Wolves all over the pitch, with the goalkeeping situation just the tip of the iceberg.
Vitor Pereira was sacked last month, but new head coach Rob Edwards has been unable to evoke any response out of his players.
Wolves have now lost their last eight consecutive games across all competitions, with a 12-point deficit to safety already opened up.
Several signings may well be targeted in January, but a new goalkeeper would certainly not go amiss.
Sam Johnstone‘s error saw Nottingham Forest score the winning goal against Wolves on Wednesday, with the goalkeeper failing to connect with Omari Hutchinson‘s cross.