Man City plan to accept James Trafford offer, January exit now ‘inevitable’
James Trafford is likely to be given the green light to seek a move away from Man City in January just months after joining the club.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 23-year-old still has plenty of admirers thanks to his performances for Burnley in recent years.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider that Trafford and Gianluigi Donarumma would compete to start for City, with no set first-choice decided.
Since then, Donnarumma has made a big impact as the number one, forcing Trafford down the pecking order and limiting his playing time to cup games.
As a result, there is a growing possibility he could seek a move away in January whether permanently or on loan, and City are not expected to block offers for him.
Man City could accept James Trafford offer
Football Insider revealed in October that Guardiola is reluctant to let Trafford leave mid-way through the season as there is still hope for his long-term role.
However, Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that it will suit all parties to come to an agreement and he is edging closer to a move.
“It was a strange move to begin with, to be honest,” he told Football Insider.
“He started at City in the first place, before his move to Burnley, so I could understand him going back to his former club because it would be hard to turn down.
“But he was going back there based on his ability and performances, not just because he’d come through there, so it looked like a very good move for him.
“All of a sudden, Donnarumma became available and Man City were never going to turn that down.
“There’s no bad blood involved from City or from Trafford, I think they both understand the situation and why certain decisions will have to be made.
“But it feels almost inevitable that he will look to leave Man City and I don’t think they’ll stand in his way, whether it’s a short-term or long-term thing.
“It makes sense, if there’s an opportunity for him to go and be the first-choice somewhere else, it’s something all parties will have to consider.
“After what he did during his time at Burnley, there are plenty of clubs who would like a goalkeeper like him, so I think that’s a move that’s likely to happen.”
Aston Villa set sights on signing Trafford in January
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 16 November that Aston Villa are interested in Trafford and have turned their attention towards signing him in January.
A number of Premier League clubs are believed to be on alert over his situation, including Newcastle after their summer move was unsuccessful.
Should Man City opt to let him go, Villa and Newcastle will be among the front-runners in what is expected to be an open race for the England goalkeeper.
Unai Emery‘s side see Trafford as a strong alternative to Emiliano Martinez with the potential to replace the Argentina international as their first-choice.
This comes after Football Insider revealed that Martinez could be allowed to leave Aston Villa as they move towards a more long-term option between the sticks.
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