Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterJames Traffords second spell at Manchester City looks certain to be brief. After just four Premier League appearances, the former Burnley goalkeeper is heading for the Etihad Stadium exit.Man City brought Trafford back to the club from the Clarets last summer but immediately jumped at the opportunity to sign Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain.The Azzurri skipper played the other 34 league matches last season and 23-year-old Traffords belief that he was returning to Manchester as Pep Guardiolas number one quickly crumbled.Newcastle no longer considering Trafford as other options are exploredAccording to The Athletic, Newcastle United previously saw Trafford as their first choice to succeed Nick Pope but are no longer considering a move for the England goalkeeper, preferring instead to review alternatives reportedly including Brighton & Hove Albions former Coventry City loanee Carl Rushworth and Parma stopper Zion Suzuki having also moved to sign French U21 goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Reims in early June.Premier League rivals Leeds United are closing in on Trafford instead. Theyre in the market for a goalkeeper after Karl Darlows move to Manchester United, though that move was likely informed in part by Leeds plan to bring in a number one regardless. You may like Will James Trafford be Englands next regular goalkeeper? Its all about timing Ill always be there for him as a friend, and the FA Cup final is another opportunity to shine Joe Hart lifts the lid on his chats with the Manchester City shot-stopper Newcastle United midfielder 'agrees contract' with Premier League club as �90m transfer advances: report Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola won't block exit, with an Etihad departure decided: report As talks progress between Leeds and Man City, Daniel Farke can be confident that Trafford will be persuaded that Elland Road is the right destination for him. Traffords desire for first team football and an international opening are goals Leeds can help with.It is no secret Trafford wants to play far more regularly than he did with City last season and he would be the undisputed No.1 at Elland Road, reports Leeds correspondent Beren Cross.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.The West Yorkshire outfit will also lean on the platform they gave Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Anton Stach in returning to their national teams.Leeds will hope Trafford can be their long-term solution between the sticks. Illan Meslier has finally moved on after a prolonged demise of his Elland Road career.Lucas Perri endured a difficult first season in England. Meanwhile, Karl Darlow has left, but even if he had stayed, it is unlikely he would have been No.1 in the upcoming campaign.Should the transfer be completed, Trafford wouldnt return to the Etihad Stadium until Leeds visit to Man City in the Premier League fixture in December.Although he struggled for league minutes there, playing only the first three matches and the last against Aston Villa, Trafford was ever-present in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. City won both competitions while conceding just five goals in their 12 ties. Trafford kept clean sheets in both Wembley finals.The Cumbrian goalkeeper joined Citys junior ranks from Carlisle United in 2015 and made his name at Burnley after loan spells with Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers. He played 28 times for the Turf Moor club in his debut Premier League season.TOPICSJames TraffordNewcastle UnitedManchester CityLeeds UnitedPremier LeagueChris NeeChris is a Warwickshire-based freelance football writer specialising in West Midlands football, the Premier League, the EFL and the J.League. He is the author of the High Protein Beef Paste football newsletter and owner of Aston Villa Review. He supports Coventry Sphinx.
