'Agreed personal terms' - Fabrizio Romano's Newcastle transfer update as ex-Man City wonderkid deal nears

Manchester City have underperformed by their standards so far this season. Pep Guardiola’s side won the title last year but haven’t been able to reach the same heights this time around.

They were beaten 3-1 away at Real Madrid last time out and have been knocked out of the Champions League. Nico Gonzalez got their goal against the La Liga.

City are back in action this weekend with a home clash against Liverpool. They will be looking to return to winning ways against Arne Slot’s men at the Etihad Stadium.

Newcastle United agree terms with ex-Manchester City player James Trafford

City’s last league opponents Newcastle United have ‘agreed’ personal terms with Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford and they want him to be their number one next season, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. The 22-year-old, who is from Carlisle, has caught the eye in the Championship over recent times.

He has kept 11 clean sheets in a row for Scott Parker’s side as they eye promotion to the Premier League. He has let in only nine goals throughout the whole of this campaign as well.

Reporter Romano has posted on X: “Newcastle agreed personal terms with James Trafford since summer 2024 and the verbal pact is still valid. He’s still top of the list as new GK for Newcastle next season.”

Trafford rose up through the academy ranks at City and was a regular at various different youth levels. The England youth international never played a senior match for his former team though. He was loaned out to Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers to get some experience under his belt. Burnley then snapped him up on a permanent basis in 2023 and he has since played 59 matches altogether.

Trafford hails from a farming family in Cumbria and has said in a recent interview with The Mirror: “Farming’s definitely helped me as a goalkeeper, like giving you core values, core principles of who you are as a person. That definitely came from my mum and my dad being farmers and always working on the farm. It’s definitely had a big impact on me growing up on the farm, especially in the area of the world where I did in North West Cumbria.”

What now for Manchester City?

City will be eager to get a result against Liverpool to boost their spirits. It has been a tricky past few months for the champions.

Speaking after their defeat to Real Madrid, Guardiola said: "Nothing is eternal. We have been unbelievable and we have to try step by step to get better from today. We have been extraordinarily extraordinary in the past, but not any more. We have 13 games [left in the Premier League] and have to be top four or five to try to be [in the Champions League] again."

He added: "We couldn't defend well with the movement from Mbappe and it was more difficult. The best team won, they deserved it. They were better. What we have to do is accept the reality and move forward."