Newcastle United appear ready to push forward with their interest in James Trafford as the January transfer window approaches, and the move could gather pace quickly if Manchester City give the final approval.
Former Manchester United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains highly respected and well connected in football circles, has revealed that the 23-year-old goalkeeper is still one of Newcastle’s top options.
Speaking to Football Insider, he explained that the club never lost sight of Trafford, even after missing out on him in the summer.
Newcastle had tried to bring Trafford in during the last transfer window, but the young England international chose to return to the Etihad. At that time, it seemed like the right step for his career, yet things changed when City brought in Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The arrival of such a high-profile goalkeeper has restricted Trafford’s opportunities, leaving him with limited minutes on the pitch. According to Brown, that situation makes it increasingly likely City will be open to letting him leave in January, whether through a permanent transfer or a loan.
Several clubs remain interested due to the strong impression he made during his time at Burnley, and he is expected to have multiple offers once the window opens.
Newcastle, however, are watching closely and preparing to act. Brown has also suggested that Nick Pope’s recent inconsistencies have put pressure on the club to consider a change in goal.
Although Pope has delivered big performances in the past, the errors scattered across recent matches have raised concerns at St James’ Park.
Brown believes Trafford could be the long-term solution Newcastle were searching for, and that missing out on him in the summer may not matter now if City are ready to release him.
From his perspective, a move to Newcastle makes complete sense for the goalkeeper. The path to regular minutes is far clearer on Tyneside than at the Etihad, and he would be joining a club that wants to build for the future with young, hungry talent.
Brown explained that City’s unexpected signing of Donnarumma changed the dynamic drastically for Trafford, and with his progression now stalled, a fresh opportunity may be the best possible outcome.
Newcastle, meanwhile, know they need stability in goal if they want to strengthen their chances mid-season. Brown stated that if Manchester City confirm Trafford is available, Newcastle would waste no time in trying to bring him in, seeing him as someone who could instantly raise the level of the team. For the Magpies, improving competition in goal is only one part of a broader plan.
Football Insider recently reported that Newcastle will look to invest again in January, targeting several key positions after a difficult start to the season. Even though they picked up a morale-boosting win over Manchester City, there is still a clear understanding that the squad lacks depth across multiple areas.
Eddie Howe wants reinforcements at left-back, right-back, in central midfield, and possibly another striker, as injuries have stretched the squad early in the campaign.
The club are especially concerned about their attacking options, with Yoane Wissa currently sidelined and uncertainty surrounding Will Osula’s position. That situation has pushed the need for a striker higher up the priority list.
In midfield, Howe wants more reliable cover behind Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, with the current rotation lacking balance and consistency. Every department being discussed points toward one thing: Newcastle are preparing to be busy.
The potential move for Trafford fits neatly into that plan. Signing a young, ambitious goalkeeper who already has Premier League experience would give Howe another dependable option and possibly a long-term starter. For Trafford, the chance to take a significant role in a growing team could prove too good to ignore.
As January draws closer, the situation now rests in Manchester City’s hands. Once they decide on Trafford’s future, Newcastle are ready to move fast.
