James Trafford is looking to leave Manchester City in January as he seeks regular first team action, reports the Daily Mail.
Trafford returned to City over the summer after the Cityzens used a matching rights clause to trump Newcastle to the goalkeeper’s services.
The 23-year-old was initially considered first choice at the Etihad Stadium, and featured in City’s opening three league games of the season, following up a win over Wolves with defeats to Tottenham and Brighton.
However, Trafford has dropped down the pecking order for Pep Guardiola’s side after the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG on deadline day back in September.
Trafford has lost his starting spot to Donnarumma
The towering Italian has since started every league game and all but one of five Champions League matches with Donnarumma first choice under Guardiola.
As such, Trafford has been restricted to a handful of appearances, starting twice in the EFL Cup and once in the Champions League since August.
And as a result, Trafford is seeking a January exit as he looks to reclaim his spot in the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Trafford was dropped by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel for November meetings with Serbia and Albania, but ultimately returned to the national team setup after Nick Pope withdrew from the squad.
Tuchel has hinted that players need to be playing frequently if they are to make his England squad in North America next summer, with Traffford aiming to secure a winter exit as he looks to force his way back into the German’s plans.
Newcastle and Aston Villa credited with an interest in Trafford
Newcastle could yet rekindle their interest in Trafford in the New Year, while Aston Villa have also been linked with a move for the former Burnley man as a potential replacement for Emiliano Martinez.
The Argentine came close to leaving Villa over the summer but a switch to Manchester United failed to materialise.
Inter have been credited with an interest in Martinez as a replacement for Yann Sommer, while Tottenham are another side reportedly keeping tabs on the Argentina international.
Trafford started City’s 2-0 Champions League loss to Bayer Leverkusen last week but was dropped to the bench for Saturday’s 3-2 win over Leeds as a late Phil Foden strike spared City’s blushes.
