Manchester City goalkeeper in advanced talks over £19 million Premier League switch

England under-21 youth international and highly-rated Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford is in advanced talks over a move to Burnley, according to reports.

The 20-year-old is currently away on international duty with England, starring at the ongoing under-21 European Championships, and keeping clean sheets in all of his four consecutive 90 minutes en route to a semi-final clash with Israel under-21s later this week.

James Trafford has never been short of confidence in his ability to reach the very top of the game, and has spoken about his belief of playing for England’s senior squad, as well as featuring in the Premier League and Champions League further down the line in his career.

Now, after loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers in successive seasons, Trafford appears set to play Premier League football next season, with his parent club Manchester City in advanced talks with one of the division’s newcomers.

That is according to the information of talkSPORT, who first reported that Manchester City are currently in advanced talks over a £19 million move for James Trafford to recently-promoted Premier League side Burnley – managed by Etihad legend Vincent Kompany.

It is explained that Manchester City are open to selling James Trafford with the option of a buy-back clause inserted into the deal, with the understanding being that the decision to include such a term is a direct result of the high-regard in which the player is held.

As per Jack Gaughan of MailSport, it is stated that the initial fee is in fact £15 million potentially rising to £19 million, with a 20% sell-on clause for Manchester City. There is also likely to be a buy-back clause in the deal as well as matching rights.

Speaking last month in comments relayed by MailSport, James Trafford admitted his ongoing belief that he would one day play in the Champions League at some stage in his career, as well as make the step up to England’s senior squad.

“My long-term goal is playing in the Champions League and for England,” Trafford said. “If you want to be in the Champions League you’ve got to be in the top four teams in England.”

He continued, “Whether it’s Man City or any other of the big clubs, I believe I will be at that level. Given the opportunity I’d be able to perform. The most important thing for goalies is to be playing and if you’re not playing it is really tough.

“Next season I’ll play every week. I can’t sit on the bench.”

In his four under-21 European Championship 90 minutes for England so far this summer, James Trafford has been one of the stand-out performers, registering 148 touches and making 87 accurate passes.

A total of 10 saves have also been made by the Manchester City Academy graduate in those matches, nine of which were executed inside the penalty area, whilst also accompanying those glowing numbers with a further 11 accurate long balls – further evidence of his on-the-ball excellence.