Newcastle United ready to meet Manchester City valuation for James Trafford this summer

Report: Newcastle to rekindle Trafford interest

Newcastle United have held a long-standing interest in Trafford, who was open to leaving Manchester City in January to boost his prospects of making England’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

However, Pep Guardiola wanted to keep hold of his backup goalkeeper as City fought on four fronts in a transitional season. As reported by Mail Sport’s Craig Hope, Newcastle are set to revisit their interest in Trafford this summer.

An asking price in the region of £35-40 million is unlikely to be ‘prohibitive’ for officials at St. James’ Park, who alongside Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe have identified Trafford as a potent addition to their goalkeeping department ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Liverpool, Chelsea, Juventus, Aston Villa and Tottenham also hold an interest in Trafford, who is almost certain to leave Manchester City in the summer for regular first-team opportunities.

Trafford’s 2025-26 season at Man City

For what it’s worth, Trafford has played his part in helping Manchester City win the Carabao Cup final and progressing to the FA Cup final after last week’s comeback win over Southampton in the semi-final at Wembley.

Liverpool and Chelsea express interest in summer transfer for Manchester City goalkeeper

The Englishman made a series of vital saves in the first-half of City’s Carabao Cup final triumph over Arsenal before Nico O’Reilly scored a brace of headers in the second-half to win a first trophy in two seasons for Guardiola and co.

Trafford has also played every FA Cup game this season for City, who will face Chelsea in the final after goals from Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez overturned a one-goal deficit at Wembley on Saturday.

As has been the case with wantaway players over the years, Manchester City will not block a summer exit for Trafford should a suitor club match their valuation.