Chelsea are considering a move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford following the Clarets' relegation from the Premier League, according to reports.
WHAT HAPPENED?
According to The Sun, Trafford has emerged as a top target for Chelsea this summer despite the tough start to his career in the top flight of English football. The Blues reportedly view the 21-year-old as a long-term option at Stamford Bridge and could provide him with a route back into the Premier League after he suffered relegation with Burnley in the 2023-24 season.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Trafford started 28 of the 38 fixtures in the league season but was dropped for the last 10 by Vincent Kompany as his side fought to avoid relegation. Despite the tough end to the campaign, Chelsea are eager to sign promising young stars and view Trafford as a viable option. Newcastle have also been credited with an interest in the player, although sources close to the deal have claimed that Chelsea are current favourites to secure the signing.
WHAT HAS BEEN SAID
Trafford could be linking up with his former team-mate Cole Palmer at Stamford Bridge, after the two rose through the ranks at Manchester City before moving elsewhere.
"Wow. He's so good. You could see it in the academy," said Palmer to the BBC. "Even in training, he's so hard to score past. I'm just glad everyone else is seeing it. "He knows himself how good he is but he's not arrogant. He's a nice lad. He's a normal lad who believes in himself. When he first came, everyone was thinking: 'Who's this kid?' As time went on, everyone was looking at each other, like: 'Wow'. He just goes about his business on his own. I always say to him - even when we were little - that he is going to be world class."
WHAT NEXT FOR TRAFFORD?
As Chelsea are currently without a first-team manager following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, Trafford will likely have to wait to determine his plans ahead of next season. For now, he will concentrate on making Gareth Southgate's 26-man England squad for Euro 2024, after being included in the preliminary team announcement last week.
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