Newcastle United want Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford | OneFootball

Newcastle United want to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford during the winter transfer window, according to the Daily Mail.

The Magpies wanted the Englishman at St James’ Park last summer, but City used a matching rights clause to beat them to his signing.

However, they are expected to return for the 23-year-old next month.

Trafford was told he would be first-choice after joining from Burnley, but Man City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day.

The Italian has started every Premier League game since then.

Trafford now wants to leave for regular playing opportunities elsewhere, and Newcastle could be willing to hand him the chances he desires.

He was hoping his move to Man City would help him claim the England starting berth from Everton’s Jordan Pickford, but he has played just three times since Donnarumma’s arrival.

Newcastle signed Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton, and he could get a run of games after calls were made to drop Nick Pope following several mistakes.

Trafford would not be guaranteed an immediate place in the Magpies’ starting XI, given the quality and experience of Ramsdale and Pope.

However, manager Eddie Howe is a fan of the Man City star and could be willing to throw him into his line-up due to his style of play.

Newcastle could do with quality additions during the winter transfer window as they look to finish strongly across all competitions during the second half of the season.

Another goalkeeper should not be a priority given their other needs, and they must make smart decisions.

Newcastle want AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit and would be open to selling Joe Willock to Crystal Palace to facilitate the move.

They could do with attacking reinforcements, with William Osula close to signing for Eintracht Frankfurt after reportedly reaching a verbal agreement to join them.