Premier League clubs may have to fork out at least £30 million to stand a chance of signing James Trafford from Manchester City this month.
According to Team Talk, Manchester City are set to stand firm on their valuation of James Trafford and will demand at least £30 million for the keeper. The likes of Aston Villa, Tottenham and Newcastle United have held interest in the Manchester City ace, but a move seems challenging this month.
James Trafford has been a bit unlucky since his mega move to Manchester City from Burnley in the summer. Initially, he was seen as the replacement for Ederson, but after beginning the season with a few error-prone performances, the club chose to make a move for a more established keeper such as Gianluigi Donarumma.
The Italian has since taken over the No.1 shirt, while Trafford is reduced to playing in cup games. There were other clubs like Newcastle United interested in the Manchester City ace back in the summer before his switch to the Etihad. The Magpies are now keeping close tabs on a potential move, probably next summer, but a winter signing can still materialise.
Tottenham also retain an interest in Trafford, as they are looking into he idea of upgrading on Guglielmo Vicario in the near future. With the Manchester City ace seemingly available, despite the club’s showing no interest in selling him earlier, it may take at least £30 million for suitors to sign him.
The likes of Tottenham and Newcastle United may not view the idea of signing Trafford immediately, as they have established keepers in their ranks. However, those teams could look at the possibility in the summer, as Trafford is not expected to usurp Donnarumma’s position in the side.
Aston Villa in pole position for James Trafford?
Among the interested parties, it appears Aston Villa could have an upper hand in the race, although it remains to be seen whether they are in a position to fork out £30 million. Emiliano Martinez is linked with a move to Inter Milan, and there’s a big possibility the Argentine could depart this month if the Nerazzuri or others come with a viable offer.
They have also earmarked Diogo Costa as an replacement for the Argentine, although Trafford also remains a viable target for the Birmingham giants. It remains to be seen how this keeper situation evolves at Villa Park, as they will try to sign the Manchester City ace if Martinez ends up leaving.
