Newcastle Lead Chase for City Goalkeeper Trafford as Magpies Brace for Summer Exodus

Newcastle United have emerged as the leading contenders to secure Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford in the forthcoming transfer window, with the move gathering momentum as the season winds down.

The England shot-stopper was on Tyneside's radar last summer before City exercised their buy-back clause to retain him at the Etihad. That gambit has backfired spectacularly, however. The arrival of world-class Italian counterpart Gianluigi Donnarumma has left Trafford warming the bench under Pep Guardiola's watch, and the 24-year-old is understood to be actively considering his options.

Spurs have also registered their interest, but Newcastle hold the advantage in the race for his signature. With regular first-team football his primary objective, a summer switch appears increasingly probable. Trafford has publicly expressed his dismay at the turn of events, and sources close to the situation suggest Newcastle have maintained their long-standing admiration for the keeper throughout the campaign.

The Magpies' pursuit of Trafford comes against an uncertain backdrop on Tyneside, however. Their failure to secure Champions League qualification has prompted speculation over the futures of several established names, with Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes all potentially heading for the exits.

Newcastle are expected to sanction departures for both Gordon and Woltemade to generate funds for their summer rebuild. Gordon in particular has faced criticism from sections of the support, and Liverpool are tipped as his most likely destination, with Arsenal also having been mentioned as a possible suitor. Former Everton and Aston Villa executive Keith Wyness believes the winger's exit would represent a net positive for the club, suggesting Newcastle may actively encourage his departure rather than resist it. Woltemade, too, appears surplus to requirements as the northeast outfit prepare for a significant overhaul of their squad.