Manchester City have opened talks with Burnley to re-sign top Newcastle target James Trafford, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 22-year-old is coming off a record-breaking season in the Championship as he stood between the sticks of one of the most impenetrable defences in recent English football history.
Trafford and Burnley managed to achieve promotion back to the Premier League, but the young goalkeeper’s exploits have led to an acceptance that he likely won’t be playing for the Clarets next term.
A host of clubs hold an interest in the former Man City academy graduate, with his most persistent suitors being Newcastle. The Magpies have been trying all summer to strike a deal for the shot-stopper.
Eddie Howe and company appeared on the verge of a major breakthrough in recent days, but their deal to sign Trafford has now come to a screeching halt.
Man City open Trafford talks
According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle haven’t been able to finalise the signing of Trafford because Man City are giving serious consideration to exercising their buy-back option and will have the final say on his next move.
Man City had the foresight to keep some control over Trafford’s future when they sold him, and they are now in talks with Burnley and the player over a potential return to the Etihad.
The reason for these discussions is that Man City would like to pay less than €46 million stipulated in his contract. Were they simply to trigger his clause, they wouldn’t have to negotiate with Burnley.
Romano states that Man City’s final decision on whether or not to re-sign Trafford will hinge on the futures of their current crop of goalkeepers, Stefan Ortega and Ederson.
Both have been linked with potential exits this summer, with Ederson currently fielding interest from Galatasaray, while Ortega is being touted as a possible replacement for Trafford at Burnley.
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