Newcastle United ‘yet to revive’ James Trafford interest as Manchester City seek £50m | OneFootball

Newcastle United have not, at this stage, revived their pursuit of Leeds United target James Trafford, with the Manchester City goalkeeper expected to attract competition if he becomes available this summer.

The Chronicle reports that Trafford was not discussed in Newcastle meetings this week and there is no sign of a return for him, while City want £50m for their back-up goalkeeper.

Trafford could depart only a year after a £27m move to the Etihad. He signed a five-year deal but was overtaken by Gianluigi Donnarumma and started just four Premier League games. He is now on holiday after being in England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Newcastle agreed personal terms with the former Burnley goalkeeper last summer before City exercised buyback rights on their ex-academy prospect.

Newcastle are set to begin pre-season with Nick Pope as first-choice and 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen, a £24m signing this summer, as competition. They opted against turning Aaron Ramsdale’s Southampton loan into a permanent deal.

Leeds need at least one goalkeeper after Karl Darlow left at the end of his contract to join Manchester United. Trafford is among options being tracked if City sanction an exit, with Aston Villa also linked.

City hold leverage, with Trafford only 12 months into a five-year contract and his wages likely to be high. Leeds have also been linked with Kjell Scherpen and Zion Suzuki, and Illan Meslier has departed at the end of his deal.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk