James Trafford prefers a summer move to Aston Villa over Newcastle, making Villa the likeliest destination. Betting impact: expect odds to shorten on Trafford joining Villa and Villa to tighten betting on goals conceded next season; bettors may also reassess Man City clean-sheet markets if Trafford departs.
James Trafford weighs up summer move as first-team opportunities remain limited at Man City
James Trafford, Manchester City’s young goalkeeper, admits his first season at the Etihad has not gone to plan after making just 11 appearances in all competitions and three in the Premier League. Signed last summer for £27m from Burnley on a five-year deal, Trafford has been behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in the pecking order and says he’s accepted the situation while continuing to work hard for chances.
Trafford: “It’s what it is” as he targets more game time
“I didn’t expect the situation to happen, but it happened, so just get on with it,” Trafford said, reflecting on City’s summer signing of Donnarumma. “It’s happened so I work very hard every day and see what happens, give it my best shot.” He added: “It is what it is. It’s football, it is what it is, you’ve got to keep grafting every day and the games that come, play as hard as you can.”
Premier League interest and Villa preference
Interest from Premier League clubs has reportedly emerged, with Trafford understood to be prioritising a move to Aston Villa over Newcastle United. Sources close to the goalkeeper say he favours working under Unai Emery, with Villa’s prospects — including potential European football — a factor in his thinking.
Summer exit not ruled out despite long-term contract
Despite his five-year contract, Trafford has not closed the door on leaving in the summer if regular minutes remain elusive. “Let’s take it a day at a time and try and work as hard as I can and whatever happens, happens,” he said. “I’ve obviously got a contract, so don’t know what happens next season. I just know that I’ll just take it a day at a time and try and improve.”
International hopes remain a personal focus
On his involvement with England, Trafford stressed that he focuses on performance regardless of selection. “I haven’t spoken to them [about] if that’s enough, but I play as well as I can and train every day very hard and it’s just down to me,” he said. “Obviously everyone knows what’s going on with me, so I’ve just got to, whenever I play, play as well as I can.”
Manchester City Are In The Running To Sign This Eredivisie Defender: One For The Future?
Man City goalkeeper James Trafford has given his preference between a summer move to Aston Villa or Newcastle United, according to reports.
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