Exclusive: Aston Villa turn attention to James Trafford, transfer is ‘likely’
Aston Villa have turned their attention to Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford ahead of January, sources have told Football Insider.
The goalkeeper, 23, re-signed for Pep Guardiola’s side over the summer, initially as competition for Ederson, but is now even more firmly on the fringes than he initially expected.
Gianluigi Donnarumma has made a big impact as the number one, and that has plunged Trafford’s club and international future into doubt.
Sources say that Villa are keeping tabs on Trafford as they weigh up new keeper options.
Aston Villa looking to replace Emiliano Martinez
Emiliano Martinez came close to leaving Aston Villa in the summer and his form has suffered badly in the new campaign.
Villa see Trafford as a strong alternative to Martinez with the potential to replace him as the first-choice keeper at the club.
It is seen as increasingly likely, sources say, that Trafford will leave Man City next year, potentially on an initial loan.
The 23-year-old has proved his quality in the past, keeping 29 clean sheets for Burnley in the Championship last season.
Trafford went almost three months without conceding a goal at one point in the campaign, with his performances culminating in the move back to Man City.
Aston Villa in race for Everton star
Meanwhile, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have joined Newcastle United in the hunt for Everton midfielder James Garner, sources have told Football Insider.
The Manchester United academy graduate is out of contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium next summer, and his future with the Toffees is up in the air.
Sources say that Villa and Forest have now registered their interest in Garner, 24, ahead of the January transfer window.
It comes after Football Insider revealed on 12 November that Newcastle are keeping tabs on Garner as they look to reinforce their own midfield ranks.
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