Chelsea encouraged to make surprise swoop for Man City star after transfer confession

Chelsea are being tipped to make a change in their goalkeeping department with Robert Sanchez struggling for form, and Liam Rosenior has been urged to raid Premier League rivals Manchester City

Former Chelsea playmaker Joe Cole believes the Blues should be going all out to sign James Trafford this summer with Robert Sanchez struggling for form.

The England youth international excelled with Burnley in the Championship last season, helping the Clarets win promotion back to the Premier League.

Trafford caught the eye of several Premier League teams before Man City activated a buy-back clause in the agreement with Burnley, signing him for £31million.

However, he's made just 11 appearances in all competitions prior to the clash with Newcastle United in the FA Cup.

Chelsea are expected to bring loanee Mike Penders into the first team when his loan spell with sister club Strasbourg comes to an end this summer, with the Belgian youth international impressing on Ligue 1 this season.

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However, Cole believes Chelsea shouldn't pass up on an opportunity to sign Trafford this summer, if he becomes available.

The former Chelsea star told Paddy Power: "It’s hard with Robert Sanchez because he’s performed well at times. He came out of the starting line up to Jorgenson the other day.

"So it doesn’t look like Liam Rosenior has settled on a number one as much as he says he 'doesn’t have a number one'. That’s just how he operates.

"When a goalkeeper like James Trafford becomes available, then Chelsea may have to strike. He is improving is Sanchez, but I still think there’s another level. Is it going to be there in time for Chelsea to kick on and be challenging for the Champions League and competing with the Arsenal and Man City’s of the world?

"Liverpool have got Allison, Man City have got [Gianluigi] Donnarumma and Arsenal have got David Raya. That’s the level of goalkeeper Chelsea need. Sanchez can get there, but can he get there quick enough?"

Trafford had been linked with a move to Newcastle United this summer but chose to return to his former club City, and it hasn't worked out for the England youth international with Gianluigi Donnarumma the clear number one.

When asked just last month about being the cup goalkeeper at City, Trafford said: "I didn’t expect the situation [with Donnarumma] to happen but it happened, so just get on with it.

"So it’s happened so I work very hard every day and see what happens, give it my best shot. No, it wasn’t [no.1 spot promised]. So it is what it is.

"It’s football, you’ve got to keep grafting every day and the games that come, play as hard as you can. This is just another experience to add to my career and it has been a good learning experience."