Newcastle United are leading the race to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford this summer, according to reports.
The St James’ Park side could look to upgrade their goalkeeping options after the season and appear well-placed to secure the England international amid his limited playing time this campaign.
Trafford has made just 13 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side this season, including a fine display in the Carabao Cup victory over Arsenal last weekend.
The 23-year-old only joined City from Burnley last summer, penning a five-year deal, but has been below Gianluigi Donnarumma in the pecking order for much of the season.
Newcastle Keen on James Trafford
james trafford
According to Football Insider, Trafford would be more inclined to join Newcastle than any other Premier League club if the Magpies end up targeting a new goalkeeper this summer.
It remains unclear whether Nick Pope or Aaron Ramsdale will remain at the club next season, with the latter potentially returning to Southampton once his loan finishes.
Newcastle looked at signing Trafford before he joined Man City last summer and remain interested in the ‘incredible’ 23-year-old’s services amid a memorable week for the goalkeeper.
Trafford made his senior England debut in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay and looks well placed to make Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad this summer.
Newcastle Readying for a Busy Summer
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes celebrates vs Crystal Palace
Amid their disappointing Premier League position –sitting 12th with seven games to play –Newcastle could be heading for a significant squad rebuild this summer.
Failure to secure continental football could see several first-team stars leave, including captain Bruno Guimaraes and fellow midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Both midfielders have no shortage of admirers across the Premier League, with Manchester United particularly keen on the duo.
Newcastle could also look to bring in a new striker after the season amid Eddie Howe’s lack of faith in last summer’s arrivals Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.
Newcastle Close to Exciting Signing
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe applauds fans after the match vs Everton
Newcastle are in talks to sign promising 16-year-old winger Johan Martinez from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle.
The St James’ Park side are closing in on the highly rated teenage attacker’s arrival and look set to beat competition from several European clubs.
Martinez is considered ‘one of South America’s most exciting prospects’ and could soon follow in the footsteps of Premier League stars Moises Caicedo and Piero Hincapie, who both developed in Valle’s academy.
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