James Trafford spent his younger years rounding up sheep and playing outfield in Carlisle United's academy. Now he has eyes on the Manchester City number one spot. The keeper will return to the Etihad two years after departing for Burnley with Pep Guardiola's side paying £27million to bring him back.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Man City have agreed a deal with Burnley to re-sign Trafford for a fee under the value of his £40m buy-back clause that was inserted when he move to Turf Moor two years ago.

James Trafford is set for a return to Manchester City in a £27m deal, two years after he left to join Burnley. The goalkeeper conceded just 16 league goals with the Clarets last season and kept a Championship-best 30 clean sheets - equalling Port Vale's Football League record set 71 years ago.

Toon chiefs have haggled over a deal throughout the window - allowing Manchester City the chance to push ahead in the queue. City have first dibs on Trafford - as well as a 20 per cent sell-on clause should he head elsewhere - due to a clause inserted two years ago.