James Trafford during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester City and Salford City(Image: Getty Images)

Manchester City would prefer to loan rather than sell James Trafford this summer, according to a report.

Website Teamtalk claim Trafford could push for regular football in the next transfer window after losing his place to Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Trafford, who returned to City from Burnley on a five-year deal in the summer, has been linked with Aston Villa and Premier League rivals such as Leeds United and Newcastle United.

Trafford signed in July and started the season as first choice playing the first three games before Donnarumma arrived on transfer deadline day.

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He has been restricted to League and FA Cup duty since then and having played in the 2-0 win over Salford at the weekend he admitted the situation ‘wasn’t what I expected coming into the season’.

He said: “Who knows, it’s football. Let’s take it a day at a time and try and work as hard as I can and whatever happens, happens.

Continue Reading: Aston Villa learn Man City stance after jilted star left transfer door open