James Trafford's move to Newcastle gathers momentum after latest Man City exit plea – verdict

James Trafford looks to be forcing a move away from Manchester City after his latest come‑and‑get‑me plea to Newcastle United.

Speaking to The Standard, Trafford says that it is imperative that if he wants to become England's number one goalkeeper, he also needs to become the number one at club level.

Whilst Trafford has been selected in England's World Cup squad, the goalkeeper is unlikely to play a single minute at the tournament, as Everton shot stopper Jordan Pickford is preferred over the 23-year-old.

After a campaign as deputy to Gianluigi Donnarumma at Man City, Trafford was never likely to usurp Pickford in-between the sticks, and a departure away from the Etihad this summer has long been on the cards.

However, Trafford's final destination is now becoming clearer, with Newcastle believed to be keen to agree a deal.

That is despite the Magpies' recent addition of Ewen Jaouen, who was signed from Stade de Reims for around £18.5million just a week ago.

Why do Newcastle want to sign James Trafford?

Newcastle's pursuit of Trafford means that Jaouen looks to have been signed with a view for the future, and is likely to spend next season on the bench.

Meanwhile, Trafford kept 29 clean sheets in the Championship in the 2024-25 season when Burnley earned promotion back to the Premier League.

A fine shot stopper, Trafford is capable with the ball at his feet, and he can help Newcastle develop their style of play.

Whilst he only made four Premier League starts for Man City this season, Trafford had a 70 per cent save percentage and successfully completed 73.7 per cent of his passes.

As Nick Pope could be free to depart St James' Park this summer, Trafford would likely get his wish to become a number one goalkeeper at a Premier League club.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Newcastle are now accelerating their move to sign Trafford.

James Trafford fits Newcastle transfer plan

It is clear that Eddie Howe wants to rebuild his squad this summer, and the signing of Trafford would also signal his ambitions to compete for a European spot next season.

Further up the pitch, Howe wants to get a deal done to sign Osasuna's 22-year-old winger Victor Munoz.

The Spaniard is regarded for his pace, but his quality is in no doubt, having been called up to his country's World Cup squad.

Newcastle look to have widened their range when it comes to recruitment this summer, in what could be the start of a new era on Tyneside.