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Trafford made just 17 appearances for City last season Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
Newcastle United have rekindled their interest in signing James Trafford as work continues to bolster the club’s goalkeeping unit.
The end of Aaron Ramsdale’s loan enabled 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen to be secured from Reims, while first-choice Nick Pope could depart if another senior addition arrives.
Newcastle’s primary target remains Trafford, who they attempted to acquire last summer before he joined Manchester City from Burnley.
Trafford, 23, was under the impression he would be then-manager Pep Guardiola’s main stopper, only to be usurped by Gianluigi Donnarumma and end up making just 17 appearances.
It has raised the prospect of Trafford moving again, prompting Newcastle to establish fresh contact with their Premier League counterparts and once more express a desire to recruit the England international.
The sides are yet to enter formal negotiations and the situation is complicated by Trafford wanting to hold off deciding his future until returning from the World Cup.
Although this has no bearing on how Newcastle view Trafford, the timing might be less appealing if they feel the need to strengthen that area of Eddie Howe’s squad sooner, in preparation for the 2026-27 season.
Trafford came through City’s youth academy and had loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers before joining Burnley on a permanent deal in the summer of 2023 after the club returned to the Premier League.
After being the undisputed No. 1 at Turf Moor and making 73 appearances in two seasons, Trafford struggled for consistent game time last campaign.
“It (being No. 2) wasn’t what I expected,” Trafford said in February. “I tried to guard against the situation happening, but it’s the reality. I know every time I play, I’ve got to give it my best shot and try to win and try to improve. That’s the current situation I’m in.”
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