West Ham are ready to make a summer transfer move for disgruntled Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, according to reports in SportsBoom.
Trafford, who made the move back to the Etihad Stadium last summer, two years after leaving to join Burnley, could be on the move again this summer following comments he made after appearances in the FA Cup fourth round win over Salford City and the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle.
The 23-year-old returned to City after a clause in his contract with the Clarets allowed Pep Guardiola's side to match any bid that came in for him. Newcastle had had an offer accepted by Burnley, but ultimately City came up with the cash too, with Trafford deciding the Etihad Stadium would see him playing at a higher level and have more chance of usurping Jordan Pickford as England's first choice ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Trafford Had No Idea Man City Were In Talks With Donnarumma When He Signed
Manchester City's Gianluigi Donnarumma down injured vs Leeds
Trafford started all three of the opening Premier League games of the season, but has barely got a look-in in the league since, because City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma late in the summer transfer window.
With Stefan Ortega making the move to Nottingham Forest in January, Trafford has been left to play second fiddle and accept minutes in the cup competitions - where he has shone.
Now, he has admitted he could look to move on in the summer though.
When asked about getting on the pitch again for the win over Salford, Trafford responded: "It was nice, it wasn't what I expected coming into the season.
Trafford Ready To Assess His Future This Summer
James Trafford applauding the Burnley supporters
"I tried to guard against the situation happening but it's the reality and I know every time I play, I have to give it my best shot and try and win and try and improve. It's the current situation I'm in.
"I haven't spoken to them [about] if that's enough, but I play as well as I can and train every day very hard and it's just down to me. Obviously everyone knows what's going on with me, so I've just got to, whenever I play, play as well as I can.
"I've obviously got a contract, so yeah, I don't know what happens next season. I just know that I'll just take it a day at a time and try and improve."
According to SportsBoom, the Hammers are ready to make a move for Trafford in the summer to rival Aston Villa for his signature. Any move for Trafford will be contingent on West Ham remaining in the Premier League.
Trafford's Strengths And Weaknesses
James Trafford
We asked ChatGPT for the goalkeeper's strengths and weaknesses and this is what it came up with...
Strengths
Shot-stopping reflexes
Distribution and composure on the ball
Positioning
Mentality and confidence
Penalty record
Weaknesses
Command of the penalty area
Consistency
Physical presence
Experience at the top level
Risk management with distribution