(Credit: Imago, Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
(Credit: Imago, Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Odds slashed on James Trafford's future after Man City transfer update 

Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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James Trafford’s future has been widely speculated in recent months despite only signing for Manchester City in the summer.

The young goalkeeper made the move from Burnley to Pep Guardiola’s side for £27million as he looked to become their new number one.

However, after starting the first three Premier League matches, the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma at Man City has seen him mainly benched.

As a result, Trafford has been heavily linked with an exit from the Etihad as he looks to play regular football once more.

Yet, it now looks like the goalkeeper could be set to stay at Man City, with a move in January doubtful.

James Trafford grimaces after conceding a goal for Burnley
James Trafford was previously a huge success at Burnley (Credit: Imago)

Odds slashed for James Trafford to stay at Man City past January

Despite the interest in the goalkeeper, reports emerged last week that Man City have no intention of letting Trafford leave in January.

This is due to the club’s desire to compete for trophies across all fronts until the end of the season.

As a result, they will not entertain a mid-season sale, which should see him remain at Man City at least until the summer.

Man City manager Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola appears keen to keep hold of Trafford (Credit: Imago)

Therefore, the bookies have slashed the odds of the goalkeeper staying at the Etihad past the January transfer window.

One bookmaker has Trafford to stay at Man City as short as 1/6.

Other potential destinations are Newcastle and Wolves, who are both at 10/1 and 12/1.

What has Pep Guardiola said about Trafford’s future?

Despite the speculation about Trafford’s future, Guardiola has remained firm that he wants the young goalkeeper to stay put.

While the former Burnley star may not have been playing in the Premier League, he has remained a regular in the Carabao Cup, and kept a clean sheet in their 2-0 win over Brentford last week.

Before this match, Guardiola was pressed about the future of Trafford, with the manager quick to reaffirm that he will remain at the club this season.

He told One Football on 16 December: “He’s top! He’s an incredible keeper! Unfortunately, Gigio [Donnarumma] is the first keeper, but he’s incredible.”

“I know the position of keeper is so special. During the year in one game I can change, but the keeper is special. But of course, he’s with us, he’ll be with us this season, and after we’ll see what happens.”

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