Report: Wolves eyeing January move to sign £30m Man City star | OneFootball

Trafford Interest Highlights Rising Goalkeeper Stakes for Wolves

Wolves have cast their net toward Manchester City’s James Trafford as they attempt to fix a mounting goalkeeper dilemma, yet the early signs suggest they are chasing a target already leaning heavily toward Newcastle United. The situation, detailed in TeamTalk’s report, underlines both Wolves’ ambition and the reality of their current standing in the Premier League.

City’s £19 million investment in Trafford last summer came with plenty of excitement, but the shock arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma in a £50 million deal has pushed the young England U21 international far from the first team. According to the report, City are open to a sale or loan-with-obligation at a valuation believed to sit between £25 and £30 million.

Wolves Identify Trafford as Priority Target

Molineux sources believe Trafford would immediately improve their struggling squad. TeamTalk states that Wolves view his profile as ideal, with his “commanding presence, sweeping ability and Premier League readiness” seen as key qualities. One insider was quoted as saying, “We need a keeper who can grow with the team. Trafford fits the profile perfectly.”

With Jose Sa’s form becoming increasingly unreliable and Sam Johnstone facing repeated setbacks through injury, Wolves know they must act decisively. Trafford represents a long term solution rather than a stop-gap, the kind of signing who could anchor a rebuild under newly appointed head coach Rob Edwards.

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Newcastle Take Lead in Trafford Chase

Despite Wolves’ interest, Newcastle appear to be in control. As TeamTalk notes, Eddie Howe has admired Trafford for years, and sources suggest personal terms have already been agreed. A £30 million deal is reportedly being shaped, one that would become the club’s record outlay for a goalkeeper.

More significantly, Newcastle can offer something Wolves cannot in their current state: upward momentum. European football, a settled squad and clear progression appeal strongly to Trafford’s camp. Wolves, bottom of the table on two points from eleven games, cannot match the environment or opportunity. As intermediaries bluntly informed Wolves, Trafford prefers the Newcastle project “by some distance”.

TeamTalk also reveals that Trafford “wants guarantees of game time, but above all he wants to play for a club pushing upwards, not one looking over its shoulder”. That line sums up Wolves’ challenge. Even a loan is reportedly unlikely unless Newcastle’s attempt collapses.

January Pressure Increases as Market Tightens

The keeper does not want this season to become a “wasted year” that harms his World Cup hopes, adding urgency to his desire to move. Newcastle nearly secured his signature last summer, and with renewed talks underway, Wolves may be forced to turn to alternative options.

The situation illustrates the difficulty facing clubs fighting relegation when targeting players with wider interest. Wolves are looking at multiple options, according to TeamTalk, yet Trafford was undoubtedly high on their list. If they cannot secure him, the search intensifies at a moment where Premier League survival could hinge on stability between the posts.

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From a Wolves fan perspective, hope feels fragile but still alive. The idea of signing Trafford brings excitement because supporters know how badly the team needs a reliable presence in goal. Jose Sa’s inconsistency has cost Wolves points, momentum and confidence, and Sam Johnstone’s injury issues offer little comfort. Trafford feels like the kind of young talent who could grow into a leader, which is exactly what Rob Edwards needs as he starts his tenure.

Even with the club rooted to the bottom of the table, this link signals ambition. Fans appreciate seeing Wolves push for a player valued as highly as Trafford, a keeper who already has Premier League experience and potential England involvement. Hearing that “Trafford fits the profile perfectly” gives supporters a sense that there is a plan rather than panic.

That said, the Newcastle element is tough to swallow. Supporters understand why Trafford prefers a club pushing for Europe instead of fighting for survival. Still, the emotional instinct is simple: why not us, why not now. With a new manager in place, fans would love a bold signing to kickstart the turnaround.

If Newcastle complete the deal, Wolves must move quickly to secure another keeper. The squad needs stability and belief, and a dominant goalkeeper can provide both. For supporters, this January window is shaping up to be one of the most important in years, and whether or not Trafford arrives, Wolves cannot afford to miss out on strengthening such a crucial position.