Ashley Cole has already told Man City how good James Trafford is after coaching him

James Trafford’s name as Manchester City’s fifth potential summer signing has emerged like a bolt from the blue.

Manchester City are considering re-signing Trafford if either Ederson Moraes or Stefan Ortega depart the Etihad Stadium this summer.

With Galatasaray expecting to sign Ederson, the pathway for the Burnley goalkeeper to return to his former club could become clear shortly.

Trafford has always wished to represent Manchester City and become their number one but since 2017, the Brazilian international has been an indispensable figure in Pep Guardiola’s system.

Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport via Getty Images

Ashley Cole raved about Man City target James Trafford

This summer, James Trafford could finally be granted his much-awaited wish.

With Newcastle United not as keen to sign Trafford anymore due to City possessing a £40 million buyback clause when they sold him to Burnley, the Sky Blues are strongly-placed to re-sign the 22-year-old.

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Speaking on The Football’s Greatest podcast in March, Ashley Cole was full of praise for the Manchester City target after coaching him for England’s Under-21 side, saying: “The Euros, 21s, we really used Traff to get out to the other side.”

“He’ll wait and pause on the ball, he waits for pressure to come, more often than not, 90 per cent, he’s making the right decision.”

Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott revealed that the youngster also showed how excellent his shotstopping was when training with the senior team, playing against elite strikers of the ball such as Harry Kane, saying: “And when we he wants to turn it on, when we were with the seniors, obviously Harry Kane and all, like elite, he must have gone, ‘Yeah, let me show you.’

Ashley Cole agreed, claiming that Trafford, who earned praise from Joe Hart was excellent, revealing: “Not with his feet now, now we’re going with the other part of the game.”

“Oh my days!”

James Trafford stats compared to Alisson and David Raya

Ashley Cole’s verdict about Trafford being the complete goalkeeper is exciting news for Manchester City.

However, City will require the Clarets number one to operate at similar standards to Alisson Becker and David Raya as they fight for the Premier League title with Liverpool and Arsenal.

STATS PER 90 JAMES TRAFFORD ALISSON BECKER DAVID RAYA PSxG-GA +0.26 +0.18 +0.12 SAVE % 84.5% 74.8% 76.1% CLEAN SHEET % 64.5% 36.4% 37.3% AVG DISTANCE OF DEFENSIVE ACTIONS 14.2 15.7 17 Over the past 365 days

Based on the metrics, Trafford trumps both goalkeepers.

However, Burnley had a truly remarkable defensive record last season, which is why it is key not to believe that the City target is already the best goalkeeper in England.

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