Newcastle United latest news: Aston Villa have reportedly shown an interest in signing Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford this summer.
Trafford was heavily-linked with a move to Newcastle United during the summer, with the Magpies even having a bid accepted by Burnley before that offer was matched by Manchester City who re-signed their former stopper. However, just weeks after Trafford’s return to the Etihad Stadium was confirmed, Pep Guardiola’s side moved to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG.
The Italian international was immediately installed as number one, with Trafford reduced to playing in cup matches. Speaking at the weekend, Trafford revealed his frustrations at how the campaign back at Manchester City has unfolded.
“Yeah, it’s been good,” he said. “I didn’t expect the situation [with Manchester City signing Donnarumma] to happen but it happened, so just get on with it. So it’s happened so I work very hard every day and see what happens, give it my best shot.”
Speaking to Match of the Day, Trafford admitted: “I tried to guard against this situation [playing only cup games] happening, but it's the reality.”
When asked if he was told he would be Manchester City’s No. 1 for the season, Trafford said: “No, it wasn’t that. So it is what it is. It’s football, you’ve got to keep grafting every day and the games that come, play as hard as you can. This is just another experience to add to my career and it has been a good learning experience.”
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Trafford then left the door open to a possible departure from Manchester in the summer, adding: “Who knows, it’s football,” he continued. “Let’s take it a day at a time and try and work as hard as I can and whatever happens, happens.
“I’ve obviously got a contract, so 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.”
Aston Villa & James Trafford transfer reports
Their long-standing interest in Trafford, one that even predates his move to the Etihad Stadium last summer, means that Newcastle United will undoubtedly be linked with potentially signing him again this summer. However, Football Insider report that Aston Villa also have an interest in the 23-year-old and that sources have told them that Trafford would ‘prefer’ a move to Villa Park over St James’ Park.
Villa currently sit third in the Premier League table and are likely to qualify for the Champions League next season. Newcastle United, meanwhile, currently trail the top five by eight points with just 12 Premier League games of the season left to play.
The Magpies did defeat the Villans in the FA Cup last weekend and have more than a foot in the Champions League Round of 16 after a 6-1 win away at Qarabag on Wednesday night. However, the likelihood is that they will need to win that competition to secure qualification to next season’s Champions League. Trafford, meanwhile, is likely to once again warm the bench this weekend when Guardiola’s side welcome the Magpies to the Etihad Stadium.
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