James Trafford: Manchester City’s goalkeeper will be number one in England “sooner or later”

Everton’s Jordan Pickford has won 80 caps and is England’s undisputed number one goalkeeper, currently boasting a record nine consecutive clean sheets, although there is a difference of opinion as to whether he or Trafford is the most expensive British goalkeeper.

City sources said the Trafford deal in July was worth £27 million plus add-ons, but Burnley sources estimated the figure at £31 million plus add-ons and a sell-on clause.

The latest figure would break the previous record of £30m which Everton paid Sunderland for Pickford in 2017.

Guardiola said he had spoken with Trafford and “the other players” when asked if there were concerns about playing time in a World Cup year.

Trafford is yet to win a senior England cap, but has been called up to the final four squad after helping the Under-21s win the 2023 European Championship without conceding a goal.

Guardiola added: “We have an amazing goalkeeper. For England, sooner or later, he will be the right goalkeeper.

“I’m sure Gigi learns from James and James learns from Gigi. Goalkeepers are always linked.”