Manchester City are now ready to advance their plans to sign one of Sheffield Wednesday's most important players, as they look to replace their own star.
Trafford edges closer to Man City exit
The man likely to be heading for the exit door is of course James Trafford. The goalkeeper only returned to the club 12 months ago, but could now be on his way to Newcastle United after watching his No.1 spot disappear to Gianluigi Donnarumma not long after rejoining Man City.
Manchester City's James Trafford celebrates winning the FA Cup
The Englishman believes that he's ready to challenge Jordan Pickford for England's No.1 spot and is convinced that progress will not take place on Man City's bench - leaving Newcastle United to take full advantage.
Everton's Iliman Ndiaye in action with Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada Related
Man City storm into contention to sign £45,000-a-week Premier League star
City want to sign "the most skilful player in the Premier League" this summer.
The Magpies have reportedly rekindled their interest in the shot-stopper and could finally get their man after initially working on a deal last summer, before he opted for an Etihad return.
An exit will arguably be the right decision for all parties, but it does mean Man City will be forced into the market for a replacement in the coming months. And that's where Sheffield Wednesday enter the frame.
World Cup 2026 Quiz
You scored
↩ Play again
Man City advance plans to sign Sheffield Wednesday star
According to TeamTalk, Man City are now accelerating plans to sign Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday to replace Trafford this summer. Like Trafford, Charles left the Citizens as a young goalkeeper to gain experience elsewhere and could now follow the same route back to his former club.
The Owls are not in a strong position to keep hold of their talented No.1, either. Charles has just one year left on his current deal and it seems unlikely that he'll put pen to paper on a new deal as he continues to develop.
"He’s unbelievable. I think everyone’s seen it. “The guy could play midfield with his brother (Shea) and I think that’s what he’s trying to do!" - Northern Ireland's Paul Smyth on Charles
At 20 years old, now could be the perfect time for Charles to return to Man City and take Trafford's spot behind Gianluigi Donnarumma, with the Owls losing one of their best players in the process.
The one saving grace for Wednesday is that City could loan the goalkeeper back to Hillsborough next season to further his development, but that will rely on whether they believe he's better suited to learn directly as Donnarumma's deputy.
Read next: Reporter drops four-word update on major Sheffield Wednesday signings
jamie-vardy Related
Reporter shares 4-word update on two major Sheffield Wednesday signings
The Owls could land two impressive reinforcements...