Newcastle United ‘yet to reignite’ James Trafford interest as £50m price cited | OneFootball

Newcastle United have not revived interest in Leeds United target James Trafford, The Chronicle reports.

Trafford could depart Manchester City only a year after a £27m move to the Etihad, having signed a five-year deal but started just four Premier League games. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival pushed him down the order.

Leeds are seeking a new goalkeeper after Karl Darlow ran down his Elland Road contract and joined Manchester United. Trafford is among options being monitored if City sanction an exit.

Rival interest is expected. The 23-year-old is on holiday after being in England’s 2026 World Cup squad, and Aston Villa have been linked. Last summer’s pursuit ended when City used a buyback clause after personal terms were agreed.

Newcastle are set to begin pre-season with Nick Pope as first choice and 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen, a £24m signing earlier this summer, as competition. They also chose not to sign on-loan Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale permanently.

If Newcastle hold their line, one rival drops out but Leeds would still face a battle. City are said to want £50m for their back-up. With Trafford only 12 months into a five-year deal and likely on high wages, Etihad chiefs retain leverage.

Reports in Italy suggest there is interest in Lucas Perri. The Whites have also been linked with Royal Union Saint-Gilloise goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen and Parma’s Zion Suzuki, although there is no active pursuit as things stand.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk