Manchester City are reportedly edging closer to signing another keeper | OneFootball

Manchester City will likely be in the market for a backup goalkeeper this summer. The expectation is that James Trafford will depart City in a bid to establish himself as a number-one keeper elsewhere. David Ornstein reported for The Athletic late last week that Newcastle United had made their interest in signing Trafford known to City. However, Trafford will not make a decision on his future until after the World Cup, Ornstein added. It now seems that Manchester City are wasting no time in planning for Trafford’s expected departure. It has now been reported that they are edging closer to signing impressive young goalkeeper Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday.

Manchester City are reportedly preparing to make their move to sign Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday.

Graeme Bailey has provided an update for TeamTalk on Manchester City’s goalkeeping situation. Bailey reports that James Trafford has informed City that he is unwilling to be Gianluigi Donnarumma’s understudy for another season. Furthermore, Bailey reports that Manchester City have accepted James Trafford’s stance on his future as Newcastle United have made their interest known in signing the England international.

However, Graeme Bailey reports that City have followed the progress of Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles for some time now. It is now expected that the FA Cup holders will bid to sign Charles from Sheffield Wednesday in the coming weeks. Charles has one year left on his contract with Sheffield Wednesday and is likely to leave the club after their relegation to League One.

Signing Pierce Charles could prove to be a shrewd move by City if it occurs.

There are two routes Manchester City could take if they move for a backup goalkeeper this summer. The first would be to sign an experienced keeper in the Stefan Ortega mould. This was a shrewd move by City when they signed Ortega and if they were to replace James Trafford, there is certainly merit to that course of action.

However, signing Pierce Charles could be a shrewd piece of business for Manchester City. Charles is 20 years old and has shown at Sheffield Wednesday that he is a promising young goalkeeper. Charles is very good with his feet and is an impressive shot-stopper in goal. Also, if he develops as expected, he could become a player that City could sell for a tidy profit in the future. Or, if Pierce Charles really develops as a keeper, he could be a long-term replacement for Gianluigi Donnarumma. If City do sign Charles they could be covering both angles for a nominal transfer fee given Pierce Charles’ contract situation and Sheffield Wednesday’s relegation to League One.

Manchester City seems to be progressing with a plan in case James Trafford departs the club. Pierce Charles has shown he is an impressive young goalkeeper at Sheffield Wednesday. Charles may also be a shrewd signing given his age and potential to grow at 20 years of age.