Manchester City favour James Trafford loan amid Premier League interest | OneFootball

Manchester City would prefer to send goalkeeper James Trafford (23) out on loan this summer rather than sanction a permanent departure, amid growing interest from several Premier League clubs, according to reports from Sky Sports.

The 23-year-old’s future has been thrown into uncertainty following the deadline-day arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris St-Germain. Trafford began the season as City’s first-choice goalkeeper after returning to his boyhood club in a £27m move from Burnley, inheriting the number one shirt with Ederson expected to move on. However, he has largely been restricted to domestic cup appearances since Donnarumma’s arrival.

Leeds United, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United are all understood to be monitoring the situation closely, though City are believed to favour a temporary move that would allow the England Under-21 international to gain regular top-flight experience while preserving his long-term value. Trafford remains under contract for another four years.

The goalkeeper has admitted he was “taken aback” by the change in circumstances but insists he is focused on improvement. “I didn’t expect the situation to happen, but it happened,” he said. “You’ve got to keep grafting every day.”

For City, a loan would offer Trafford clarity and continuity, while keeping open the possibility that he may yet play a significant role at the Etihad Stadium in seasons to come.

GFN | Finn Entwistle