Aston Villa will reportedly attempt to beat Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign 23-year-old English goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City this summer.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford. The two Premier League clubs are keen on reinforcing their first-team squads by signing a shot-stopper in the upcoming transfer window.

The latest report has revealed that the Villans are ahead of Tottenham in the battle for the Englishman’s signature, with the West Midlands outfit ramping up efforts to sign him in the coming months. Meanwhile, Roberto De Zerbi is the driving force behind Tottenham’s move for Trafford, with the Italian tactician seeking a long-term replacement for Guglielmo Vicario.

James Trafford and his frustrations

James Trafford rejoined Manchester City from Burnley in a deal worth £27 million last summer, hoping to enjoy a memorable second coming after establishing himself as one of the world’s best young goalkeepers in an excellent 2024/25 campaign. However, the 23-year-old has struggled for regular game time this term.

Trafford has fallen in the pecking order after Manchester City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain last summer. The English goalkeeper has managed only 1,260 minutes of game time in 14 appearances thus far for Manchester City. So, the youngster is keen on leaving City again to secure regular action, with the situation stimulating the interest of several well-known clubs, including Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.

Move across the Premier League on the cards?

James Trafford has been on Tottenham Hotspur’s wishlist for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, as widespread reports have linked Guglielmo Vicario with a move away from the North London club. The Italian shot-stopper is a target for Inter Milan, with the Nerazzurri working on the deal to sign him in the coming months. So, Tottenham must replace Vicario this summer, with Roberto De Zerbi eyeing Trafford as the ideal target.

As for Aston Villa, Emiliano Martinez’s long-term future is uncertain, as recent reports have linked him with a move away from Villa Park. Additionally, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner is approaching the twilight of his career. So, the West Midlands outfit must plan for life after the Argentine international, with Trafford being an option worth considering.

With the latest report revealing that the Villans are the front-runners to sign Trafford, they are ready to ramp up their efforts to secure the 23-year-old Englishman’s signature. Additionally, with Tottenham involved in the relegation battle, Aston Villa can expedite the move to sign the youngster from Manchester City in the coming weeks.