Representatives of James Trafford engage in talks over potential January transfer from Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City could yet sanction a mid-season exit for James Trafford, just months on from his emotional return to the Etihad Stadium.

Trafford’s future has been one of the most frequently discussed topics around City in recent weeks and months, particularly following his drop to second-choice status behind Gianluigi Donnarumma and the Italian’s signing on deadline day of the summer market.

The England international began the season as Pep Guardiola’s starting goalkeeper, featuring in the opening Premier League matches against Wolves, Tottenham, and Brighton before Donnarumma’s arrival forced a reshuffle in City’s hierarchy.

Despite Trafford’s early promise, City’s recruitment of Donnarumma shortly after Ederson’s departure to Fenerbahce shifted the dynamic significantly. Trafford has since featured primarily in cup rotation, sparking persistent speculation over whether the 23-year-old will tolerate a prolonged spell out of the starting XI.

Now, according to a new report from TEAMtalk, Newcastle United have re-engaged with the advisers of Manchester City’s goalkeeper James Trafford, with the 23-year-old pushing for a January move.

Sources close to the deal, according to the report, have revealed that the England international is “desperate” for game time, viewing his Manchester City stint as a “wasted year” that has stalled his rapid rise.

From the side of Newcastle officials, it is claimed that they are eyeing an initial loan deal for Trafford containing a mandatory £25 million buy clause, while a straight permanent transfer is not ruled out at this stage.

Such a move for James Trafford would also fit Newcastle’s longstanding interest in the Englishman, having monitored his situation closely since his performances first caught national attention.

For City, the situation is delicate, with Guardiola valuing depth and competition in every position, and losing Trafford would leave Donnarumma without a high-level challenger – something the City manager traditionally relies upon.

At the same time, retaining an unhappy player during a crucial stage of his development could carry longer-term risks, especially given James Trafford’s ambitions at both club and international level on the eve of a FIFA World Cup campaign next summer.

As the January window approaches, Manchester City may be forced to choose between maintaining squad strength and respecting the wishes of a player seen as a significant long-term investment.