Fresh Newcastle United, James Trafford update emerges that may interest Southampton | OneFootball

Saints will be interested in more than one way regarding the future of Man City's back-up goalkeeper

A fresh update has emerged on the future of Manchester City goalkeeper, James Trafford, and it is one which will have Championship club, Southampton, on red alert.

According to Football Insider, the England international has re-emerged as a potential target for Newcastle United if they decide against turning Aaron Ramsdale's current loan switch from Saints into a permanent deal at the end of the campaign.

Such developments also come after Trafford spoke out about his personal frustration over a lack of gametime upon his return to the Premier League champions after agreeing a transfer from Burnley, who he helped achieve promotion from the Championship at the end of last season under Scott Parker.

Fresh James Trafford, Newcastle United transfer links emerge - Southampton, Aaron Ramsdale factor mentioned

Trafford, in recent seasons, had become one of English football's most highly-rated homegrown goalkeepers, having enjoyed two strong loan spells with Bolton Wanderers in League One whilst on loan from the Citizens, before moving to Turf Moor for a reported £19m fee after the Clarets returned to the Premier League under the management of former Man City cult hero, Vincent Kompany.

Despite suffering a frustrating first season in East Lancashire, Trafford became the subject of transfer interest from Newcastle, before staying at Burnley and breaking two remarkable Championship records en route to promotion, which included the fewest amount of goals ever conceded in a second-tier season (16) and the longest number of consecutive clean sheets in the division (12) as they went on to be pipped to the title by Leeds United on goal difference after achieving 100 points.

It then seemed as though the 23-year-old was bound for St James' Park, before Man City agreed a reunion with the Cumbrian for at least £27m.

As a result, the Magpies would eventually settle on a loan swoop for Ramsdale, who was one of several high earners who departed St. Mary's after the South Coast side's dismal relegation season, where only 12 points were accumulated.

However, both Trafford and Ramsdale haven't enjoyed the seasons which they would have envisaged after making their respective transfer moves, with the duo making just 25 appearances between them across all competitions, with the former becoming Pep Guardiola's understudy to Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad Stadium.

After being handed just a fifth start since October in Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup win against Salford City, Trafford said: "It wasn't what I expected coming into the season...

"It's the reality and I have to give it my best shot. It's the situation I'm in. We train every day but making saves, it's good fun."

It has now been reported that Newcastle could ready a fresh bid for his services if Ramsdale's option-to-buy clause isn't triggered by Eddie Howe, although the sum associated with said clause is yet to be revealed.

Southampton could have eyes on James Trafford saga for more than one reason

Southampton, of course, have endured an intriguing predicament this season too when it comes to their goalkeepers' union.

Having started the season with Gavin Bazunu between the sticks, the Irishman was soon dropped and replaced by Alex McCarthy, who has since been replaced by Daniel Peretz, who has endured mixed fortunes since being loaned in from Bayern Munich for the second half of the season.

Prior to Bazunu's loan switch to Stoke City, where he has since suffered an injury, Trafford was heavily linked with a move to both Saints and Leicester City on a loan basis ahead of the transfer window, before a deal failed to materialise.

As such, it would seem the only way of Saints being able to land Trafford's services would be through regaining their top-flight status, and they are currently two points outside the play-off places with 14 games remaining.