Aston Villa race Leeds to sign James Trafford after Man City exit news
Aston Villa are one of several Premier League teams that could make a move to sign Man City goalkeeper James Trafford in the summer window.
Emi Martinez‘s future at Villa Park remains uncertain ahead of the summer, with Trafford lined up as a potential replacement if he does depart.
The 23-year-old re-joined Man City last summer after an impressive spell at Burnley, but has failed to oust Gianluigi Donnarumma as their number one keeper so far.
Trafford was linked with a move to numerous clubs ahead of the January window, but the Citizens instead allowed fellow out-of-favour stopper Stefan Ortega to leave for Nottingham Forest.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Villa are one of the Premier League teams that could snap him up this summer.
Aston Villa interested in James Trafford as Man City exit weighed up
Trafford is set to weigh up his options ahead of the summer as he seeks a better guarantee of regular playing time at the highest level, and Villa could offer him exactly that if Martinez does move on.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Leeds will be among a number of Premier League clubs who’ll be looking at Trafford’s situation come the summer window.
“Aston Villa are looking at him, Newcastle have held a long-term interest in Trafford as well and came close to signing him before he ended up going back to Manchester City.
“If Leeds were to stay up, it might be an area that they might look to strengthen in. (There is) lots of water to go under the bridge before anything happens on that front, but I’m sure there’ll be a lot of clubs who’ll be looking at Trafford’s situation.
“A lot will depend on what the player himself wants to do, if he wants to move away in search of regular first-team football come next summer.”
Villa target Morgan Gibbs-White move amid Nottingham Forest relegation danger
Villa have been flying high under Unai Emery this season, and will want to take the next step next term to becoming genuine Premier League title contenders.
As well as Trafford, Football Insider have revealed that Villa are eyeing a move for Forest star Gibbs-White in the summer.
The England international has continued to shine at the City Ground this season, but Forest are in real danger of being relegated to the Championship with just three points separating them and 18th-placed West Ham.
Gibbs-White would almost certainly leave if they were to go down, with the likes of Man City and Tottenham also previously linked to his services.