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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
John McDougall

'No brainer' - Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford's first words after rejoining Bolton

James Trafford says it was a 'no brainer' to rejoin Bolton Wanderers on loan from Premier League giants Manchester City.

The 19-year-old joined Wanderers from City in the January transfer window, after a loan spell at Accrington Stanley came to an end. He proved to be a hit at Ian Evatt's side, as he became the club's number one goalkeeper in the the second half of the campaign in place of Joel Dixon.

He played 22 times for the Whites and kept clean sheets in his first four games, setting a club record in the process. He also notched two assists in League One.

READ MORE: Update on Marlon Fossey's summer transfer window Fulham future amid Bolton Wanderers interest

Talks have been taking place between Pep Guardiola's side and the Whites over a potential return. Trafford has previously said he will leave it to City to decide where the best place to play his football will be next season.

And the talks over his future have clearly been productive for Bolton as he has completed a loan switch which will last for the upcoming season. That will take him to the summer of 2023, when his contract at City is currently due to run out.

Trafford becomes Bolton's second signing so far this summer transfer window. He follows the acquistion of defender Jack Iredale, made not long after last season ended as he joined on a free transfer from Cambridge United.

And after returning on loan to Wanderers for the second time in the space of six months, Trafford believes the decision to come back to the club was a 'no brainer' as he is targeting a positive season and the continuation of his development.

He told the club's YouTube channel: "It's the right place. I loved every minute of it from January onwards and I have such a good relationship with the staff and everyone at Bolton. It was a no brainer.

"Once I'd got the internationals out of the way, it was a no brainer to come back. I'm excited.

"How the gaffer wants us to play and just the whole set-up really suits everyone. It's the best for my development and the scenario was different to last season where I came and didn't really have much time to develop and try new things every game.

"Every game was like a cup final that we had to win. But this season we can really give the gaffer's playing style a good go and play with more pressure.

"The Bolton fans here are second to none and I've seen all over Twitter how many season tickets have sold and I'm really excited.

"The team's really good, all the players are really good and we should do exciting things next season. We have such a good relationship with each other and I'm really excited for it.

"We'll put in the graft when we start in pre-season and it starts from there really. We'll start like we mean to go on."

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