James Trafford's move to Newcastle United accelerates with deal already agreed
James Trafford has emerged as the top target for Newcastle United as they accelerate plans to sign the Manchester City star this summer.
That is despite the Magpies having already agreed to sign 20-year-old keeper Ewen Jaouen this month, as Eddie Howe eyes a complete overhaul of his options.
Man City are believed to be open to letting their second-choice goalkeeper leave this summer, which has placed a number of clubs on high alert.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle are planning to accelerate talks with Trafford as they aim to do a deal quickly.
A number of Premier League rivals are also believed to be keen on the 23-year-old, and Newcastle believe they will have to move quickly to beat them to a deal.
Trafford is also believed to be open to joining the Magpies, just one year after opting to make the move to City rather than St James' Park.
Could Newcastle finally sign James Trafford?
Football Insider revealed in April that Newcastle are leading the race to sign Trafford and are growing increasingly confident they will get a deal over the line.
The England international is said to be focused on the World Cup as things stand, but Newcastle hope an agreement can be reached early in the window.
Regardless of the timeframe, however, the Magpies are working hard to complete new signings, and Trafford is likely to be the next one through the door.
"We all know Newcastle are prioritising strengthening in goal," Brown told Football Insider.
"They've alreaedy brought somebody in, but he's not the only one they want, because they're making big changes to their squad and especially in that position.
"Aaron Ramsdale is leaving, there's question marks over Nick Pope, so that's two goalkeepers that will need replacing.
"Trafford is the obvious one for Newcastle, they wanted him last year and it looks like he's going to be allowed to leave Man City now because he's not happy behind Donnarumma.
"If City are ready to let him go, I expect it's a deal Newcastle will want to get done quickly so that they can beat any of the other interested clubs to it."
Which other clubs are interested in signing Trafford?
Despite putting plans in place to accelerate their interest in the coming days and weeks, Newcastle are still facing stiff competition to land Trafford's signature.
However, Football Insider revealed last month that Aston Villa are prepared to step up their interest in siging the Man City shot-stopper in the near future.
This comes amid doubts surrounding the future of Emiliano Martinez, who is seeking a move away from Villa Park after missing out on a move last summer.
Martinez is growing increasingly likely to leave Aston Villa, with Juventus his most likely destination, and that move could clear the path for Trafford to arrive.