Manchester City do hold an “interest” in signing former goalkeeper James Trafford, according to reports.

The 22-year-old was sold to Burnley at the start of last season for £19m, but the I Paper claim that Cityzens could rival Newcastle for the shot-stopper this summer.

Trafford played a key role in helping the Clarets return to the top flight just a year after being relegated from the Premier League.

Scott Parker’s side had the best defensive record by some distance, conceding just 16 times in 46 games, and they had Trafford to thank for making some outstanding saves.

Speaking after beating Watford back in April, Parker described his No.1 as a “world-class” keeper and his performances have been attracting the attention of other teams.

City and Newcastle are not the only clubs interested

The race to secure the Burnley star’s signature could get more crowded if The Guardian reporter Jacob Steinberg is to be believed.

Chelsea are currently pursuing AC Milan’s Mike Maignan but the journalist claims that Trafford is regarded as a fallback option. The Blues have reportedly “enquired” about the England star’s availability.

A fee of around £30m may be needed to prise the keeper away from Turf Moor and it remains to be seen who will match the asking price.

Trafford could replace Ederson

It is looking increasingly likely that Pep Guardiola‘s current number one will be on the move this summer. The Brazilian international was open to leaving the Etihad Stadium for Saudi Arabia last year, but no team matched his valuation.

Interest from the Middle East is expected to be reignited during this transfer window and there is a feeling that Ederson could well secure his transfer away from City this time around.

In other news, Man City have agreed a fee to sign a 26-year-old midfielder from AC Milan