Man City 'outline' transfer stance for James Trafford amid interest from Premier League rival

Manchester City reportedly prefer to send James Trafford out on loan next summer as he struggles for regular game time. 

The 23-year-old joined Man City from Burnley last summer for a fee of around £31m plus add-ons, which was a record fee for a British goalkeeper, but the move has not worked out properly for him. 

Trafford has managed only three Premier League starts this season, and he is behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in the pecking order. 

The goalkeeper thought that he would be a regular starter in Pep Guardiola's side, but that has not happened so far, and it is likely to cost him a place in Thomas Tuchel's 2026 World Cup squad. 

Despite signing a long-term deal at the Etihad Stadium, his future has been uncertain throughout the season, and it is expected to continue into the next summer window as well. 

Man City's transfer stance on James Trafford 

© Imago / Sportimage

According to a report from TeamTalk, Man City are reluctant to sell him permanently despite his lack of game time, but they could consider sending him out on loan. 

Leeds United are one of the three clubs that have reportedly registered an interest in signing Trafford as they weigh up options between the posts ahead of the next season. 

Trafford started against Salford in the FA Cup last weekend, and after the game, the goalkeeper revealed that he did not expect the situation with Donnarumma to unfold, clearly underlying his frustrations. 

Man City would be willing to let him join a club where he will get regular first-team football, while preserving his pathway back to the Etihad.

No shortage of admirers for Trafford 

© Imago / Sports Press Photo

The Whites have reportedly registered an interest in Trafford, with Daniel Farke looking to bring in a top-quality goalkeeper next summer. 

Illan Meslier is almost certain to leave Leeds after the end of the season, and the Yorkshire club need an experienced goalkeeper to provide competition for Lucas Perri. 

Aston Villa are reportedly admirers of Trafford, while Premier League rivals Newcastle United also hold long-term interest in signing him.