Credit: Imago/Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
Credit: Imago/Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
Match

James Trafford 'very keen' to join club after Newcastle hijack

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

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James Trafford is "very keen" to return to Manchester City this summer after they hijacked his Newcastle United deal, sources have told Football Insider.

Trafford, 22, came through the City academy before making a permanent switch to Burnley two years ago for £15million.

Newcastle are also in advanced negotiations for the England Under-21 international, but sources say that the Etihad is now his most likely destination.

The Magpies had a bid of £27m for the shot-stopper turned down by Burnley in June, and they could now miss out on the deal completely.

James Trafford playing for Burnley
James Trafford would be interested in a return to Man City (Credit: Getty Images)

Man City to negotiate buy-back clause for Trafford

Man City have a £40m buy-back clause for Trafford, which was inserted in the deal when he was sold to Burnley back in the summer of 2023.

However, Pep Guardiola's side are keen to negotiate a fee below that figure, as they aim to bring the Englishman back to the Etihad.

Burnley were demanding a huge sum from Newcastle to acquire the services of Trafford, and they are expected to take the same stance with Man City.

The Clarets keeper has Premier League experience, starting 28 games in the 2023/24 campaign as the Lancashire side were relegated back down to the Championship.

Last season, Trafford kept a staggering 29 clean sheets as Burnley were promoted back to the top-flight, including a run of over 1000 minutes without conceding a single goal.

Pep Guardiola Man City
Guardiola wants to bring Trafford back to City (Credit: Imago)

Newcastle will accept offers for attacker

Meanwhile, Newcastle are reportedly prepared to listen to offers for Harvey Barnes this summer following the signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest.

That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who claims that the 27-year-old has been pushed down the pecking order under Eddie Howe.

The winger has struggled to establish himself as a regular first-XI player while competing with Anthony Gordon, who will remain the first-choice alongside Elanga.

This comes after Football Insider revealed in May that Barnes could be interested in leaving Newcastle in search of more regular first-team football alongside Joe Willock.

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