- Multiple clubs tracking Man City goalkeeper
- Summer move becoming increasingly likely
- Premier League club have growing interest
Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford is attracting growing interest ahead of the summer, with several clubs closely monitoring his situation.
The James Trafford saga is continuing as the goalkeeper remains dissatisfied with his current standing in the Man City squad.
The English goalkeeper returned to the Etihad Stadium at the start of the season with hopes of being the number one choice under Pep Guardiola.
However, the Citizens signed Gianluigi Donnarumma on transfer deadline day and Trafford has since been limited to cup competitions. The City academy graduate is eager to move and he now has multiple clubs monitoring his situation.
Aston Villa ‘very keen’ on signing James Trafford
Aston Villa have never been shy of hiding their interest in Trafford and according to Team Talk, they are in the process of intensifying their pursuit of the shot-stopper.
Emiliano Martinez’s future is uncertain at Villa Park. Hence, the English club see Trafford as a long-term replacement for the Argentine goalkeeper.
While Villa drifted out of the Premier League title race, Unai Emery is hoping to end the season in the top five Villa sit fourth at the moment and being able to build on his Champions League debut last year might tempt the English goalkeeper to make the switch.
Competition building for Trafford
Aston Villa are not the only ones monitoring Trafford, with Roberto De Zerbi also interested in securing his signature.
However, considering Tottenham Hotspur’s current position in the league, Trafford will not be keen on playing in North London unless they manage to avoid the drop.
Leeds United are also interested, though the club’s financial situation is not as good as the other sides competing for the 23-year-old.
Nevertheless, Trafford’s contract runs till 2030, which means any team wanting him City will have to place a solid offer. In fact, this has all the makings for the emergence of a bidding war.
Man City need to seriously consider a Trafford replacement
The Citizens are highly focused on replacing departing players in other positions, such as looking to bring in Elliot Anderson for Bernardo Silva. However, they need to take the problem of a second-choice goalkeeper more seriously.
Pierce Charles is the only replacement that has been linked to Man City, and would not exactly be the most ambitious signing.
City still have Marcus Bettinelli, but he is yet to play for the club. Therefore, signing a replacement who is capable of playing in cup fixtures has to be higher up their list of priorities.
