Aston Villa are reportedly ahead in the race for James Trafford ahead of a potential exit from Manchester City in the summer, but they face competition.

According to TEAMtalk, James Trafford continues to attract the attention of several Premier League suitors. An exit from Manchester City seems likely in the close season, with Aston Villa reportedly leading the race, while Newcastle United and Leeds United are also keen.

Trafford is expected to leave Manchester City in the summer in search of a prominent place between the sticks, rather than playing as a deputy. At the Etihad, where he made a £27 million move back in the summer from Burnley, he has largely been second choice to Italian international Gianluigi Donnarumma, who arrived a few weeks after the English goalkeeper made his switch to the club.

Barring a few cup games, Donnarumma has largely occupied the spot in goal this season, leaving Trafford to contemplate his future. A few clubs have shown interest in signing him, with some even making approaches in January, but Manchester City had no interest in parting ways at that time.

Leeds United are interested in Trafford, having sought a replacement for Lucas Perri, although there is no news of a potential departure for first-choice Karl Darlow. Hence, any switch to Elland Road for the £27 million Manchester City goalkeeper would require guarantees of becoming first choice there, something that may be reviewed in the summer.

Newcastle United are ready to make a fresh approach for the £27 million Manchester City goalkeeper after failing to sign him last summer. Similar to Leeds United, the Magpies may have to guarantee Trafford a first-choice role, which Nick Pope currently occupies. This is where Aston Villa come into the picture, as Unai Emery’s side are now seen as the frontrunners in the race.

Aston Villa to sign James Trafford?

Aston Villa have an interest in James Trafford, as they may once again enter the summer window in search of a first-choice goalkeeper. Emiliano Martínez was expected to depart last summer but stayed put, though he might again seek a move when the current season ends.

From Aston Villa’s perspective, there could be a place in goal open for a new arrival. Trafford might prefer a switch to Villa Park over other suitors such as Newcastle United or Leeds United in the summer, although any move will depend on how much Manchester City demands for their second-choice stopper.