Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford eyes January transfer, Tottenham players doubting Thomas Frank – Paper Round
Updated 02/12/2025 at 09:15 GMT
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Our latest Paper Round leads on Manchester City, where goalkeepers James Trafford and Stefan Ortega are reportedly looking to leave the club in January. Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur's players are said to be growing increasingly confused with Thomas Frank’s tactics ahead of a huge trip to Newcastle, while Sunderland have been linked with a former Arsenal midfielder.
'I have many concerns' - Guardiola reacts to Donnarumma's fourth yellow card of the season
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Trafford, Ortega open to City exits
Two Manchester City goalkeepers are open to leaving the club this January, with James Trafford considering his future at the club just months after joining from Burnley to become Pep Guardiola’s first choice.
Trafford, however, then saw his prospective No. 1 spot taken when Gianluigi Donnarumma joined from Paris Saint-Germain, meaning Trafford as well as Stefan Ortega are reportedly eyeing the exit door.
The Daily Mail writes: "City used a matching rights clause to beat Newcastle United to the signing of Trafford in July and the Magpies are expected to return for the 23-year-old next month.
"But with Ortega also looking to the exit door, City will have decisions to make over what to do with the team behind Donnarumma.
"Part of Trafford’s discussions with City over the summer centred on the move providing an opportunity to claim the England jersey from Everton’s Jordan Pickford.
"Yet the Cumbrian’s slow start to life back at the Etihad Stadium could leave his World Cup place in jeopardy, with Thomas Tuchel insistent that members of the squad must be playing regularly.
"Ortega is now effectively fourth choice behind Marcus Bettinelli and is not travelling to away matches."
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'I have many concerns' - Guardiola reacts to Donnarumma's fourth yellow card of the season
Video credit: SNTV
Spurs players doubting Frank
Some of Tottenham Hotspur’s players are concerned with Thomas Frank’s tactics, with sources close to the dressing room telling The Sun that there is an increasing frustration over plans being changed shortly before kick-off or early on in matches.
Frank is under pressure ahead of the trip to Newcastle United on Tuesday night, with Spurs then hosting their manager's former side Brentford on Saturday.
The Sun adds: "Some stars are said to be left uncertain as to what their role is during certain games, with last week’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain cited as one occasion where a late change was made to plans.
"Spurs twice took the lead against the European champions but ended up conceding five and leaving the French capital with nothing.
"While some players are enjoying working with Frank, there are fears the Dane could lose the majority of the dressing room if results do not improve."
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Highlights: Vitinha stars with hat-trick as PSG overcome Spurs in eight-goal epic
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Sunderland’s January plan
Sunderland are hopeful of adding players in attacking areas this January transfer window, The i Paper reports, with the club likely to lose six stars to the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Black Cats are also interested in former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, who is currently at Lazio, but is said to be keen on a move to Sunderland.
The i Paper adds: "One source with knowledge of Sunderland’s recruitment pitch to potential players said it centred around an ambition of establishing themselves as a top 10 Premier League club.
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"Results on the pitch on their return to the top flight have backed that up and piqued the interest of agents who wouldn’t have had them on their radar 12 months ago when they were fighting in the Championship.
"Sunderland now boast excellent relations with Chelsea after their dealings on striker Marc Guiu and would be open to striking loan deals with the Blues. They have slots open to supplement their squad."
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