Liverpool have Shown ‘concrete’ interest in signing James Trafford But It Would be a Swap Deal
Liverpool hold a “concrete” interest in signing Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford in the summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The Reds have been regularly scouting the 21-year-old this season and are keeping a close eye on his development at Turf Moor.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that the Merseyside club have been sounding out potential understudies for number one Alisson amid doubts over the long-term future of back-up Caoimhin Kelleher.
Trafford, the former Manchester City academy prospect, is said to be highly rated by recruitment staff and tops their keeper shortlist as the Reds get set to begin the Arne Slot era.
Liverpool look to the future with Trafford scouting mission amid Kelleher exit rumours
Liverpool have had to rely on second choice Caoimhin Kelleher for large parts of the campaign with Alisson missing over 15 games through injury but there are doubts about the 25-year-old’s future at Anfield.
In all he has made 26 starts in all competitions for Liverpool this season, partly because Alisson was rested in the League Cup campaign and for much of the Europa League as well.
Football Insider revealed on 29 February that the club value the 25-year-old at £20million after impressing during Liverpool’s Carabao Cup triumph against Chelsea.
Trafford was Vincent Kompany’s first-choice goalkeeper until recently – the England Under-21 star featured in the first 28 games for Burnley but has been dropped from the starting lineup for Arijanet Muric.
He has only managed to keep two clean sheets this season but has impressed with his shot-stopping skills and ability to play out from the back with his feet.
Notably, Trafford was called up to the senior England squad for the first time in March and was on the bench for the Three Lions’ 2-2 draw with Belgium.
A move to Liverpool would represent a big step up for the stopper, who spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at League One side Bolton.
Trafford is contracted at Turf Moor until 2027, but if Liverpool can raise funds through the sale of Kelleher, it could be reinvested into a deal for the Young Lion.
Football Insider revealed on 26 February that Celtic are keen to land Kelleher as a replacement for the retiring Joe Hart but could face competition from Premier League sides.
In other news, Arne Slot’s first-season Liverpool target revealed by top pundit.
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