James Trafford's return to Manchester City has failed to deliver the regular football he sought, and the 23-year-old goalkeeper could be on his way out of the Etihad Stadium as early as this summer.

Trafford rejoined City last summer in a £27 million deal following an impressive campaign with Burnley in the Championship. The expectation was that he would step into the No.1 role vacated by Ederson, who departed for Fenerbahçe. That plan unravelled when Gianluigi Donnarumma became available late in the transfer window and quickly established himself as Pep Guardiola's first choice.

Confined to the cups

With Donnarumma commanding the goal in both the Premier League and the Champions League, Trafford has been restricted to cup appearances. He did earn a winner's medal when City lifted the Carabao Cup, but a handful of outings in secondary competitions appears unlikely to satisfy his long-term ambitions.

According to the Daily Mail, Juventus are keeping close tabs on Trafford as they hunt for a new first-choice goalkeeper. Premier League sides Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be monitoring the situation, and Newcastle United had already attempted to sign him last summer.

Fee gap could push loan option

City are unwilling to sell Trafford at a loss on their £27 million investment, while Juventus are reportedly shopping in the region of £17 million. That significant gap in valuation could push the Serie A giants towards pursuing a loan arrangement instead of an outright transfer.

Juventus have also cast their eye over Liverpool's Alisson and former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea as more experienced alternatives. If a move for Trafford proves too complicated, the Turin club have identified Toulouse's Guillaume Restes and Olympiacos' Konstantinos Tzolakis as younger targets to consider.

Path to regular football requires a move

The case for Trafford leaving City again appears strong. Donnarumma, despite his experience at the highest level, is still only 27, and there is every possibility he remains Guardiola's preferred choice for several years to come. For Trafford to develop and play consistently, a move elsewhere looks the most logical step.