Man City’s stance on letting ‘unhappy’ James Trafford go after Tottenham news
Man City are reluctant to let James Trafford leave the club in January despite growing interest from Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham.
The 23-year-old re-joined Man City from Burnley during the summer, but was forced out of the starting XI after the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma and is now unhappy.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the goalkeeper is keen to play regular first-team football in a bid to establish himself in Thomas Tuchel‘s plans for the World Cup and wants to explore a move in January.
However, Pep Guardiola has no plans to weaken his squad mid-way through the season and is unlikely to sanction Trafford’s departure as he remains a key player.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Guardiola is reluctant to let Trafford leave mid-way through the season as there is still hope for his long-term role.
Man City set to block James Trafford exit
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 20 November that Man City could let Trafford leave if he pushes for a move away.
That comes amid the growing interest from a number of Premier League clubs and the goalkeeper’s personal frustrations surrounding his playing time.
However, City are currently considered unlikely to sanction the move mid-way through the season as they plan to keep two goalkeepers who could step in if needed.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, I think obviously Trafford’s not happy at the minute because he’s playing second fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma.
“I think it’s probably coming down to Trafford’s ambition to be in that England squad for the World Cup, but if he’s not playing, it’s going to be hard to be in Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
“That’s probably why speculation over his future has intensified in recent weeks.
“We know Newcastle are long-term admirers, Aston Villa have been mentioned as well with the ongoing uncertainty around Emiliano Martinez’s future, Spurs have also been linked as well.
“But I just don’t see City letting him go in January despite the player being unhappy and wanting to play.
“City won’t to weaken their squad in January and leave themselves short in that goalkeeping department.”
Newcastle and Aston Villa to step up Trafford interest
Despite City’s reluctance to let the goalkeeper leave mid-way through the season, Newcastle and Aston Villa have not been deterred and plan to make moves.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 16 November that Aston Villa could step up their move for Trafford amid concerns about Martinez’s future.
The Argentina international was heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park during the summer, and speculation surrounding his long-term position is refusing to die down.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider on 25 November that Newcastle are accelerating plans to sign Trafford after missing out during the summer.
Nick Pope has been at fault for multiple frustrating results so far this season, and the opportunity to land a long-term target is proving tempting for Eddie Howe.
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