Man City ‘working on’ signing James Trafford replacement, new offer to be accepted
Man City will not let James Trafford leave in the summer transfer window unless they can bring in a replacement deputy for Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The 23-year-old is widely believed to be unhappy under Pep Guardiola after having made just 11 appearances across all competitions so far.
Following Man City‘s FA Cup win against Salford City, he insisted he is not happy playing second-fiddle to Donnarumma and had hoped to be City’s first choice.
However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that City’s decision to let Stefan Ortega leave will impact Trafford‘s position.
Should the England international be allowed to move on, City would have to replace him, and have set their sights on players who would potentially fit that bill.
- Read more: Paul Merson has been stunned by Trafford.
Man City to accept James Trafford offer and land replacement
Brown told Football Insider on 16 February that Trafford is forcing a move away from Man City and is determined to play a bigger role elsewhere.
There is no shortage of interest in his signature, but a move will only be facilitated if he can be replaced, with work towards that end now underway.
“There are plenty of clubs interested in Trafford,” Brown told Football Insider.
“If he becomes available, I’m sure he will get that move away, so it’s not a concern about whether anybody is willing to make a move for him.
“The issue is with Man City and whether they are willing to let him go. They let Ortega go, so if Trafford moves on now, who is their number two goalkeeper?
“Everybody knows Donnarumma is the number one, but they need a capable backup too, that’s why they like Trafford in that role because they have two top goalkeepers.
“Man City will have to make sure they have a replacement lined up, and I’m sure that’s something they’ve been working on already, to identify the right player.
“They don’t just want anybody in that position, they need somebody who fits what they want to do, is comfortable with the ball at his feet and all of that.
“That’s easier said than done, there aren’t an abundance of top goalkeepers who are willing to sit behind the first choice, as we’ve seen with Trafford.”
Which clubs are plotting moves to sign Trafford?
Trafford’s potential availability has put a number of clubs on alert across the Premier League, with the England international seeking improved playing time.
Football Insider revealed on 17 February that Newcastle are readying a move for Trafford and could make a move if Aaron Ramsdale returns to Southampton.
The Magpies missed out on the goalkeeper as he opted to move to the Etihad in the summer, despite having made a formal bid to land him from Burnley.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 14 February that Leeds and Aston Villa want Trafford and are prepared to join the race for his signature.
Goalkeeping issues with both clubs have led them to eye the transfer market for improvements, and the Man City keeper stands out as a leading contender.
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