James Trafford pushing to leave Man City after update – ‘He’s forcing his way out’
James Trafford is looking to leave Man City in the summer amid growing interest despite staying put during the January transfer window.
This comes after the 23-year-old’s comments following Man City‘s win against Salford City, where he insisted he is not happy playing second-fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Asked whether he relishes playing in domestic cup games, the goalkeeper revealed he had hoped for more when returning to the Etihad last summer.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Trafford‘s comments were aimed at the board in an attempt to push for an exit.
City ruled out Trafford’s departure in the mid-season transfer window, but may have no other choice but to move him on after his public comments.
James Trafford forcing his way out of Man City
Football Insider revealed on 13 January that Trafford will look to leave Man City in the summer in search of increased playing time.
The goalkeeper’s clear desire to move on was reflected in his post-match comments, where despite an impressive display, he expressed his frustrations.
“Trafford is definitely looking to leave Man City,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He was convinced to go back to Man City, where he started off, after going away and developing his game, and it looked like a good move.
“All of a sudden, Donnarumma became available and you can’t blame City for going after one of the best goalkeepers in the world because it’s not often you get that choice.
“Trafford then is pushed to being their number two without even doing anything, and he’s now made it clear that was not part of the plan.
“He wanted to go back to City and prove himself at the top level, play every week, get into the England squad and all of that sort of thing.
“He’s a top-class goalkeeper and he’s proved that, but now his career is being stalled by City and it looks to me like he is forcing his way out.
“There’s going to be no shortage of interest in him if he does become available, the issue he has now is whether City are willing to let him go.”
Which clubs are interested in Trafford ahead of the summer?
With Trafford now seemingly pushing for a move away from the Etihad, a number of Premier League clubs have been placed on alert.
Football Insider revealed on 14 February that Aston Villa and Leeds both want Trafford, and have joined the race for his signature ahead of the summer.
Newcastle and Tottenham have also been long-term admirers of the England international, with the former having missed out when he opted to join City.
Given the number of interested options, Trafford will have another difficult decision to make, but this time is determined to make the right choice.
He joined City in the hope of proving himself at the club where he progressed through the academy, but has been let down in a delay to his progress.
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