Newcastle United have just been dealt a shocking and potentially threatening blow in the chase for James Trafford by Fabrizio Romano.
It’s been a slog of a transfer window for Newcastle United, with nearly every target the club has gone for heading elsewhere.
First it was Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha, then Bryan Mbeumo and Joao Pedro. This past week has seen the saga of Hugo Ekitike unfold in disappointing fashion.
It emerged that Newcastle wanted the striker to play alongside Alexander Isak, but then Liverpool’s desire to sign the Swede and their decision to go for Ekitike if they couldn’t get him completely scuppered the deal in record time.
It seems a miracle that Eddie Howe has even managed to add Anthony Elanga to his squad, given the misfortune Newcastle have suffered elsewhere this summer.
Now it appears they have been dealt another cruel twist as a target who appeared nailed on to sign in James Trafford, could head to Manchester City instead.
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Manchester City ‘considering’ move for Newcastle United target James Trafford
Newcastle have seemed certain to sign Trafford for weeks, if not well over a month by this point, after it was reported that the Burnley goalkeeper had agreed personal terms.
However, progress in the transfer has been frustratingly slow, with Newcastle seemingly unable to reach an agreement with Burnley on the transfer fee.
That hesitancy might end up costing Newcastle dearly as, according to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are now ‘considering’ a move.
City sold Trafford to Burnley and hold a buy-back clause in his contract, giving them first dibs on the player. Pep Guardiola didn’t appear to need a new goalkeeper, but Ederson’s future is now uncertain after Galatasaray made a bid on Friday.
Should the Brazilian or his backup, Stefan Ortega, depart, City will need a goalkeeper and could turn to Trafford, reports Romano.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the transfer guru said: “Manchester City considering move for James Trafford to return to the club this summer… but only if one of their two main GKs leaves.
“Contacts took place in the recent days as Man City have buy back clause, this is why Newcastle deal is not sealed yet.”
Trafford has been one of Newcastle’s top targets all summer as Howe wants to upgrade on Nick Pope with a goalkeeper who is better in possession. Losing out on him would be yet another huge blow.
Newcastle United could be getting their hands forced in James Trafford chase
Though Elanga did cost a pretty penny at an initial £55m, rising to £60m, Newcastle have made a habit of not getting drawn into overspending this summer.
The club have been confident enough to walk away from deals if the price gets too high, as has been the most recent case with Ekitike.
However, this restraint could come back to bite them if they are unable to get Trafford over the line, a player who must be key to Howe’s plans for next season.
The news report and the threat of missing out on Trafford might be a ploy to get Newcastle to cave and meet Burnley’s demands.
If so, Newcastle will have a big decision to make but, in this case, if Trafford is who they really want, they might as well pay the price.
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