Manchester City's teenage Cumbrian goalkeeper James Trafford has made a loan move to League One.

The promising 18-year-old has linked up with Accrington Stanley on a season-long deal.

It is the first loan move of the Greysouthen prospect's career as he seeks first-team experience.

Farmer's son Trafford has come through the ranks at City after joining them from Carlisle United's academy aged 12.

Last season saw the England youth keeper included in the City first-team squad for Premier League, League Cup and Champions League games.

His progress with the Premier League champions has been praised by Pep Guardiola, Trafford having attracted loan interest from other clubs before sealing his move to Lancashire today ahead of the 2021/22 season.

He joins John Coleman's side who finished 11th in the third tier last season, Trafford having trained with the squad ahead of today's signing announcement.

Coleman says the highly-rated Trafford will compete for the first-team jersey with Toby Savin.

The Stanley boss told the club website: "James is highly regarded at Manchester City, I have watched him a few times and he ticks the boxes for us. He is keen to develop here.

"Man City hope he will break through to the first team and he needs to use us as a springboard.

"It does mean we have a group of young goalkeepers at the club but if he is good enough, he is old enough in my view.

"Toby Savin had a breakthrough season last year and it will be a straight fight between Toby and James for a first team place."

Trafford added: “Me and the goalkeeping staff at City have always felt this was the right time to come out on loan after my second year as a scholar so I am really excited.

"I used to play against Accrington at Carlisle and so I have always looked out for them in the league.

“I have trained with Toby and Liam [Isherwood] and it's a group that has lots of energy; they are two really good lads and it’s competitive in training."