Manchester City Nears Buy-Back for Goalkeeper James Trafford, Competing with Newcastle United

Manchester United and Newcastle United have identified PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani as a priority target to strengthen their attacking options this transfer window, with Kolo Muani open to a move if Juventus re-signing him falls through. Meanwhile, Manchester City have been active in rebuilding their squad, recently signing promising talents including Sverre Nypan, and have now initiated contact to hijack Newcastle's pursuit of goalkeeper James Trafford. Trafford, currently at Burnley, impressed last season and is a target for both Newcastle and Manchester City, the latter holding a £40 million buy-back clause in his contract that complicates negotiations. Burnley has increased their asking price for Trafford, and City is looking to negotiate a discount, potentially leaving Newcastle at a disadvantage despite a personal agreement between the player and the Magpies. The situation remains uncertain as City's potential sale of goalkeeper Ederson could prompt them to activate the buy-back clause, but Trafford is not obliged to accept City’s offer and may still prefer Newcastle. These developments highlight intense competition among Premier League clubs to secure key players ahead of the new season.