Fabrizio Romano confirms leading Newcastle United transfer target is now open to joining another club

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A frustrating transfer window looks set to continue for Newcastle United following a recent update from Fabrizio Romano on James Trafford.

Newcastle made a bid for Trafford, which was rejected by Burnley. The 22-year-old goalkeeper has been a Newcastle transfer target for what feels like an eternity after links first emerged in 2024, though there has been little progress.

Trafford was convinced he was signing for Newcastle and has previously confirmed he was open to a move last year when speaking on Ben Foster’s podcast earlier this summer.

However, as has been the case for pretty much the entire summer, it seems Newcastle’s transfer plans may have been hijacked.

Manchester City are interested in Trafford and noted transfer insider Romano has now provided an update.

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James Trafford now open to Manchester City move

On Sunday, Romano took to social media platform X.

He confirmed that Trafford was open to rejoining Man City this summer after having left the club on a permanent basis back in 2023. 

Pep Guardiola’s side are thought to have a £40million buy-back clause in his contract. Still, they are in talks with the Clarets about reducing it.

City’s move still depends on one of their goalkeepers leaving this summer, amid Ederson’s links with a move to Galatasaray.

Eddie Howe issues update as Newcastle United’s move for James Trafford stalls

Eddie Howe issued a worrying Newcastle transfer update after his side were beaten 4-0 by Celtic on Saturday.

Pre-season began in nightmare fashion for the Newcastle United manager. Not only were his side thrashed in Glasgow, star striker Alexander Isak was also sent home from the squad amid speculation about his future.

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The situation didn’t get much brighter after the game, either. Indeed, Howe confirmed he was not particularly confident about signing players this summer as Newcastle simply couldn’t control what happens in the market.

“I’d say I’m hopeful rather than confident because we’re not in control of the market or agents, players and other clubs,” he said.

“I can assure everybody we are a hundred per cent on it and trying to do things quickly.”