Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a bid for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, with Roberto De Zerbi identifying the 23-year-old as a potential long-term solution in goal. The move is contingent on the departure of current Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, according to sources.
Trafford impressed during his time at Burnley and has continued to develop within the England national team setup. De Zerbi reportedly believes his style of play would complement a possession-based approach, making him an ideal fit for the Tottenham squad. Should he arrive, Trafford would likely become the first-choice goalkeeper, surpassing Antonin Kinsky, who enjoyed a successful spell in the team following Vicario’s injury.
Kinsky stepped in during Vicario’s absence due to a hernia and produced a series of impressive performances that helped secure Tottenham’s Premier League status. De Zerbi continued to favour Kinsky even after Vicario’s return, demonstrating his faith in the Czech stopper. However, the arrival of Trafford would signal a shift in the goalkeeping department.
Tottenham are not alone in their pursuit of Trafford, with Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Leeds United also expressing interest. Villa view Trafford as a potential replacement for Emiliano Martínez, who is reportedly a target for Juventus. Newcastle, who previously came close to signing Trafford, would consider a move if they were to sell one of their current goalkeepers, with the prospect of regular first-team football and European competition appealing to the player. Leeds have also identified Trafford as a target, but have yet to make a formal offer.
Manchester City are expected to demand a fee in excess of £40 million for Trafford, who is contracted to the club until 2029. City originally paid £30 million to re-sign him from Burnley in 2025. The club have reportedly informed Trafford he is available for transfer this summer and will consider offers. A summer departure appears increasingly likely, with multiple clubs vying for his signature.
