Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford has been the standout shot-stopper in the Championship so far this season.
The Clarets keeper has been in inspired form this season, playing an essential role in Burnley's unheard-of defensive performances in the Championship this term.
Having conceded just 10 goals in 34 league games, the 22-year-old England youth international has established himself as perhaps the best goalkeeper in the division this season.
As a result, Manchester United are one of the clubs who are understood to be taking a keen interest in the young pair of gloves over a possible summer move, as they look to potentially source a long-term replacement for the divisive Andre Onana at Old Trafford.
TEAMtalk report that Trafford would be open to a move to the Red Devils, but that Newcastle United are perhaps the current favourites to land his signature at this moment in time.
"Crying out for" - David Prutton believes Burnley keeper James Trafford could be exactly what Man Utd need
David Prutton representing Coventry City
Speaking exclusively to Football League World, we asked ex-player and current Sky Sports pundit David Prutton: 'Man United have reportedly set their sights on signing Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. Is he good enough for United in your eyes?'
Prutton said: "James Trafford to United. Of course, he's got big club experience with Manchester City, of understanding how a club of that size operates and moves.
"By virtue of potentially what deadline day looked like, he might have been a Newcastle United player. But what he's been part of at Burnley this season, 25 clean sheets, the meanest defence that we've seen for generations is something to be very, very proud of, and also extremely attractive of.
|James Trafford's 24/25 Championship stats after matchday 35 - per FotMob|
|Appearances|Goals conceded|Clean sheets|Save %|Penalites saved|Avg. match rating|
|---|
|34|10|24|87%|2/2|7.6/10|
"Good age as well at 22. So, I could very much see him as part of the furniture at Man United. They are crying out for a consistent presence in-between the sticks. They are crying out for someone to bring them balance. There's a lot of pressure there though isn't there on a young goalkeeper? However, he seems to have the mentality.
"Hence the fact we saw those, shall we say mind games or ways of dealing with a centre-forward with Wilson Isidor. So, personality-wise, he's got the potential for it. It's just whether United can get there first isn't it between them and several others that will be very interested in him."
James Trafford of Burnley vs Preston North End
There may have been some doubts about his ability and readiness to be entrusted with the starting gloves in the past, especially at times during Burnley's relegation from the Premier League last season, but Trafford has blown the majority of those concerns away with his performances at Turf Moor this season.
The former Bolton man has no doubt proven that he's a class above at Championship level this term, and looks to be a player who is now ready for another crack at the top flight.
As such, should Scott Parker's side fail to secure promotion this season, then Burnley will surely find it incredibly difficult to retain his services in the second tier for 2025/26.
Therefore, the Clarets' only hope of keeping him around long-term will likely revolve around what happens over the coming weeks in the Championship, as the Turf Moor faithful hope they'll be witnessing the return of top flight football once again next season.
JJ Watt and James Trafford Related
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The Clarets shareholder won't be coming out of retirement to feature for Trafford's favourite NFL side