6 months ago
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Chelsea are considering a £20 million move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, according to reports.
Trafford joined Vincent Kompany’s side last summer from Manchester City in a £19m deal after impressing for England at the Under-21s European Championship.
Despite getting dropped from Burnley’s starting line-up towards the end of the season, the 20-year-old still made it into Gareth Southgate’s initial 33-man squad for England’s Euro 2024 campaign this summer.
And Chelsea are now said to be readying a £20m bid for the young shot-shopper as they search for a long-term first-choice keeper, according to The Sun.
Robert Sanchez was brought in from Brighton last summer but flattered to deceive, with the Spaniard displaced by Djordje Petrovic during the second half of the season.
Chelsea will also have to deal with the return of Kepa Arrizabalaga who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid.
However, the Spanish keeper, who cost £71m from Athletic Bilbao, is expected to depart permanently this summer.
Any plans to sign Trafford may have been put on hold following the surprise sacking of Mauricio Pochettino.
The Argentine enjoyed a resurgent second half of the season to guide the club to sixth place but departed by mutual consent after an end-of-season meeting with co-owner Todd Boehly.
Chelsea are now said to be closing in on the appointment of Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca and have approached the newly promoted club to speak to the 44-year-old about a contract.
Maresca has a release clause in his deal which has increased following the club’s promotion to the Premier League and Chelsea will need to pay around £10m in compensation.
The Italian, who previously worked under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, guided Leicester to the Championship title and an immediate return to the English top flight.
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