Premier League clubs Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a significant setback in their pursuit of goalkeeper James Trafford.
City's Firm Stance on Trafford
According to reports from Football Insider, Manchester City have 'no intention' of allowing the £27 million signing to depart during the upcoming January transfer window. Manager Pep Guardiola is determined to keep the 23-year-old stopper at the Etihad Stadium as cover for his first-choice goalkeeper.
Trafford, who rejoined City from Burnley in a high-profile summer move, has found playing time limited. He has made just five appearances this season, playing second fiddle to Italy's number one, Gianluigi Donnarumma.
What Trafford Would Have Offered Suitors
The news will come as a particular disappointment to clubs seeking reinforcement between the posts. Aston Villa, who are enjoying a stellar campaign and sit third in the table, could have viewed the Cumbria-born keeper as competition for World Cup winner Emi Martinez and recent signing Marco Bizot.
For Wolves, rooted to the bottom of the Premier League and winless this season, Trafford was seen as a potential alternative to current options Sam Johnstone and Jose Sa. New head coach Rob Edwards, appointed last month, is keen to reshape his squad in January to address their poor form.
The former England youth international, a product of City's own academy, gained valuable experience during loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers before his permanent move to Burnley. He made 73 appearances for the Clarets and was instrumental in their Championship promotion under Scott Parker last season.
What Happens Next for the Goalkeeper?
It now appears Trafford will remain with the Premier League champions at least until the end of the current campaign, acting as a high-calibre deputy. Following his emotional return to the club in July, Trafford said: "Rejoining City is such a special and proud moment both for me and my family. I always dreamed that one day I would be able to come back to Manchester City."
This firm decision from the Etihad hierarchy means the quartet of interested top-flight clubs must now turn their attention to other targets when the transfer market reopens next month, as their hopes of securing Trafford's services have been firmly extinguished.
