Aston Villa join race for 23-year-old Man City star wanted by top Premier League clubs
Aston Villa are aggressively laying the groundwork for their summer transfer window, with Manchester City’s wantaway goalkeeper James Trafford emerging as a primary target.
According to a report from Football Insider, Unai Emery’s side are spearheading the queue to secure the 23-year-old England international, who has grown increasingly frustrated with his severe lack of playing time at the Etihad Stadium.
As Villa look to cement their status as Champions League regulars, signing a high-ceiling, domestic talent like Trafford represents a shrewd piece of long-term succession planning for the ambitious Midlands club.
James Trafford is struggling for playing time at Man City
Trafford’s current predicament at Man City is a tale of immense frustration.
The young shot-stopper re-joined Pep Guardiola’s ranks just last summer after City activated a £31 million buy-back clause to pry him away from Burnley, notably hijacking Newcastle United’s advanced move in the process.
Trafford arrived with the expectation of heavily competing for the number one shirt, only to have the rug pulled out from under him when the club subsequently secured Italian superstar Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Relegated largely to domestic cup cameos and watching from the bench, the 23-year-old is now desperate to find a club that can guarantee him regular Premier League minutes to further his international ambitions.
Why Aston Villa are interested in the English goalkeeper
While Emiliano Martínez remains a cult hero and a formidable presence between the sticks, the Argentine is advancing in his career, and whispers regarding his long-term future continue to circulate.
Integrating a modern, ball-playing goalkeeper like Trafford, who boasts excellent distribution skills perfectly suited to Emery’s tactical setup, would seamlessly future-proof Villa’s defense.
Furthermore, Trafford himself is reportedly highly receptive to the move.
Despite reignited interest from long-term admirers Newcastle United, the lure of Champions League football and the opportunity to develop under Unai Emery has firmly tipped the scales in Villa’s favor.
Sources indicate that Trafford is officially prioritising a move to Villa Park over St James’ Park.
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