The 23-year-old returned to Manchester City last summer in a deal worth around £27 million from Burnley, winning both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup during his first season back at the Etihad Stadium.
But the club's signing of Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma meant Trafford spent the majority of last season as backup in the bigger competitions, restricted to cup football and occasional starts while Donnarumma handled the Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
Trafford has been open about the personal cost of that situation.
"I think history says there hasn't been a goalie to start for any of the top nations that isn't a No 1 at the club," Trafford said.
"You never know, whether I move, whether I don't move, I do what's right for me and my career. Just because you play for a certain club doesn't mean that you automatically play for the national team, you have still got to show your level."
He added: "When I did move, if I would have become England's No 1 for the tournament, it would have been brilliant. I'd have been very happy, but obviously I didn't. They obviously ended up signing Gigi, and I didn't play the majority of the games, and that's football."
Trafford has made it clear to Manchester City that he is not prepared to spend another season as a benchwarmer, and Newcastle United have emerged as the leading contenders for his signature.
Trafford is understood to prefer a move to St James' Park, where he would work under manager Eddie Howe and be guaranteed first-team football in the Premier League with a club that has ambitions to return to European competition.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has also identified Trafford as a potential replacement for Guglielmo Vicario, who is expected to leave Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer with Inter Milan and Juventus both interested.
Aston Villa are tracking Trafford's situation as a possible successor to Emiliano Martinez, whose future at Villa Park remains uncertain amid reported interest from Juventus.
Manchester City are said to be preparing to move for Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles as a replacement for Trafford, and are not expected to stand in the player's way if an appropriate fee is agreed.
Reports suggest City's minimum asking price is around the £27 to £40 million range, with clubs expected to go higher given Trafford's international potential and age.
At 23, Trafford has time on his side. His performances at club level when given the opportunity have underlined that the ability is not in question — only the platform to express it.