WANDERERS have re-signed James Trafford on loan from Manchester City.

The 19-year-old will join the Whites for the whole of the 2022/23 campaign after enjoying a successful spell from January onward last term.

Trafford’s form for Bolton helped earn him a first cap for England’s Under-21s last week and Ian Evatt is looking forward to seeing what the youngster can do with a whole campaign in which to work with him.

“We’re delighted Traff is going to be back with us and we’re grateful to Manchester City for allowing him to return for a second spell,” he told the club.

“He did really well for us last season as part of our defensive unit and quickly became a key part of the group.

“We’re looking forward to working with him again next season.

“He’s a young goalkeeper who’s still learning and who will only get better.

“He’s another important signing for us, who already knows how we work, and I know one which will be popular with the supporters as well.”

Last season Trafford played 22 times for Wanderers and became the first keeper in the club’s history to keep clean sheets in his opening four appearances.

He had been linked in some quarters with a move to Belgium to play for Anderlecht this summer but Bolton’s interest in bringing him back to the club was unwavering, and once he returned from international duty with England, the deal was done.

Trafford will have a short break and link up with the Bolton squad on their return from a training camp in Portugal.

He becomes Evatt’s second signing of the summer after the arrival of defender Jack Iredale from Cambridge United.

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