Newcastle United ‘to hold off’ James Trafford move amid £50m valuation | OneFootball

Newcastle United are not currently moving for James Trafford, with club meetings this week not raising his name, The Chronicle reports. That stance could shape the market for Leeds, who need a new goalkeeper.

Trafford could leave Manchester City this summer, a year after a £27m move to the Etihad. He signed a five-year contract but was overtaken by Gianluigi Donnarumma, starting only four Premier League games.

Leeds are in the market after Karl Darlow ran down his Elland Road deal and joined Manchester United. Trafford, 23, is on holiday following England duty at the 2026 World Cup.

Newcastle had agreed personal terms with the former Burnley goalkeeper last summer before City exercised buyback rights on their ex-academy prospect. They are set to begin pre-season with Nick Pope as first-choice and 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen, a £24m signing earlier this summer, providing competition. The club also chose not to make Aaron Ramsdale’s Southampton loan permanent.

If Newcastle maintain their position, one potential rival for Trafford would fall away. The report indicates City want around £50m for their back-up goalkeeper, nearly double last year’s fee. With Trafford only 12 months into a five-year deal and on significant wages, Etihad decision-makers hold the leverage.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk