James Trafford: Newcastle handed new boost as Tottenham transfer hopes dashed

James Trafford has emerged as a key target for Tottenham Hotspur in recent weeks but they have been warned a deal may be impossible, sources have told Football Insider.

The 23-year-old is widely expected to leave Man City at the end of the season after growing unhappy with his role in Pep Guardiola's side.

Spurs have been keeping a close eye on his situation and he has emerged as one of their top targets as they put plans in place to replace Guglielmo Vicario this summer.

However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Tottenham will be unable to pull off a deal if they suffer relegation.

This comes after Roberto De Zerbi's side dropped into the relegation zone, landing a huge blow to Spurs' transfer plans, while boosting rivals including Newcastle.

Could James Trafford push to leave Man City?

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown previously told Football Insider that Trafford is pushing to leave Man City and is increasingly likely to move on.

That has placed a number of clubs including Spurs and Newcastle, as well as the likes of Aston Villa and Leeds United, on alert ahead of the summer transfer window.

All four clubs are in need of a new goalkeeper, but Spurs have been told they will be unable to pull off the deal if they fail to turn their season around in the next six games.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "It's going to be highly unlikely they could sign James Trafford if they do suffer relegation.

"Trafford wants to be playing at the highest level possible. Obviously that's why he returned to Manchester City in the summer.

"Trafford's been frustrated by his situation at the club, only sort of cup games for him. He knows he needs to be playing if he wants to become a mainstay in Thomas Tuchel's England squad.

"If Tottenham stay up, we know they probably will be in the market for a goalkeeper and then there might be an option for a move for Trafford as well.

"But I think obviously if they were to go down, it would be almost impossible that they could get a deal done for Trafford.

"Plus, there'll be a lot of interest in Trafford from other clubs in the Premier League as well."

Who is leading the race to sign Trafford?

Despite the level of interest in Trafford's situation and the growing likelihood that will move on, one club appears to be edging ahead of their rivals in the race.

Football Insider revealed last month that Newcastle are leading the race to sign Trafford and are confident of agreeing a deal for their long-term target.

Eddie Howe's side have been extremely keen on the England international since last summer, when they missed out on a deal at the last after Man City swooped.

However, their own struggles in the Premier League may have dented their chances as well after a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at the weekend.

The Magpies have dropped to 12th in the table and could miss out on European qualification, while Trafford is believed to be keen on playing at the highest level.