Fabrizio Romano now provides update on Manchester City's interest in long-term Newcastle United target
Manchester City are now thought to be keen to activate the buy-back clause in James Trafford's Burnley contract, which could leave Newcastle United without their number one goalkeeper choice this summer.
Talks between Burnley and Newcastle United have been ongoing since the start of the summer transfer window after a deal for the 22-year-old England goalkeeper fell apart last summer. Newcastle and James Trafford have been keen to resurrect the deal, but Burnley have, understandably, increased their asking price since last year.
Indeed, the Clarets have doubled their original £20 million asking price after Trafford's stellar season saw Burnley reinstated to the Premier League.
As a result of the talks dragging on, Manchester City have now entered the race, and they have an advantage over Newcastle in the form of a buy-back clause.
Ederson looks to be on his way out of Manchester City which opens the door for a James Trafford bid
City's buy-back option is set at £40 million, however, which also emboldens Burnley's position on their asking price. However, Fabrizio Romano is now saying that City want to negotiate the price, which would keep Newcastle well and truly in the race.
🚨🔵 More on James Trafford and Manchester City exclusive story.
Contacts between Man City and Burnley have already started as City want to negotiate fee lower than buy back clause worth £40m.
Deal also depends on Ortega or Éderson exit.
Ederson is subject to a bid from Galatasaray, so there could be movement that forces City's hand.
James Trafford is under no obligation to accept a move to Manchester City
If City aren't prepared to activate the clause by forking over £40 million, that could be really good news for Newcastle. Not only does it keep them in the game, but it also shows Burnley that their valuation may be off.
Of course, even if they do cough up the £40 million, Trafford is under no obligation to accept their approach and could still opt for Newcastle if they can agree a fee with Burnley. Trafford has been keen on the Newcastle move for over 12 months now, so there's a strong chance he chooses us over his old club anyway.
It would rally narc us if we miss out on Trafford now. We've lost out on a few players already this summer, and most of them we've been okay with, but after this one having been teed up so perfectly, it would be a massive kick in the teeth to lose out now.
