Aston Villa lead Tottenham in race for Man City goalkeeper James Trafford
Aston Villa have emerged as the leading contenders to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford this summer, according to sources speaking to TEAMtalk. The Premier League club are reportedly 'very keen' on the 23-year-old England international, who is expected to seek a move away from the Etihad Stadium in search of regular first-team football.
Tottenham Hotspur also hold a firm interest in Trafford, with new head coach Roberto De Zerbi said to be an admirer of the goalkeeper's distribution and composure. However, Spurs' pursuit is complicated by their ongoing battle against relegation, with their interest conditional on securing Premier League survival. This uncertainty has allowed Villa to move to the front of the queue for his signature.
Trafford rejoined Manchester City from Burnley last summer in a deal worth £27 million but has found opportunities limited following the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma. With his contract running until 2030, City are expected to sanction a sale if a suitable offer arrives, with a fee in the region of £30 million being suggested. The club's strong negotiating position means a bidding war could develop.
For Aston Villa, the move is driven by long-term planning. While current number one Emiliano Martinez remains a key figure, Villa are assessing potential successors and view Trafford as an ideal candidate. The prospect of Champions League football, which Villa are on course to secure, is seen as a major incentive in any deal. Manager Unai Emery is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of a potential campaign on multiple fronts.
Leeds United are also monitoring the situation, with Trafford identified as a dream long-term solution should Illan Meslier depart. However, sources indicate Leeds may struggle to compete financially and in terms of prestige with established top-flight suitors like Villa. Their interest is considered more tentative compared to the concrete push being prepared by the Midlands club.
Trafford's primary motivation is securing consistent playing time to enhance his prospects of a senior England call-up. His modern style, comfortable with the ball at his feet, aligns with the philosophies of both Emery and De Zerbi. The coming weeks, which will determine Tottenham's league status and Villa's final league position, are expected to be crucial in shaping the goalkeeper's next move.
The potential transfer is part of a broader reshuffle in the goalkeeping market, with several clubs assessing their options. For Manchester City, a sale would represent a significant profit on a player they developed, while providing Trafford with the platform his career currently requires. As the summer window approaches, Villa's early and determined interest has positioned them as the favourites in a developing transfer story.
