Aston Villa are planning a move for goalkeeper James Trafford, with Manchester City now willing to let him leave this summer.
Where Emiliano Martinez ranks among world’s best goalkeepers
Unai Emery was over the moon Emiliano Martinez ended up remaining at Villa Park last summer, despite being heavily linked with a move elsewhere, saying: “Staying here is good news – I am so, so happy. He is the best goalkeeper in the world and his commitment to Aston Villa is massive.
“He is always training to be his best, respecting Aston Villa. Some circumstances happen. Everyone is happy and the energy today was very good.”
However, while the Argentinian remains inside the top 10, he has fallen behind four rival Premier League goalkeepers in Football FanCast’s rankings.
There are also doubts surrounding the 33-year-old’s future in the Premier League, given that his agent has been in contact with European clubs about a summer move.
Consequently, Man City goalkeeper James Trafford was identified as a replacement for the World Cup winner, having fallen behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium.
There has since been a further development, with a report from TEAMtalk stating NSWE are now preparing a concrete approach to sign Trafford, and City are willing to cash-in if the right offer is presented.
Should a bidding war break out, the goalkeeper’s price tag could reach £30m, with Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur also in the race for his signature.
However, Spurs are in the midst of a relegation battle, which could give Villa the edge, as the prospect of Champions League football may entice the Englishman to move to Villa Park.
James Trafford’s stance on leaving Man City this summer
The 23-year-old has hinted he could be open to leaving Man City in the summer, having predominantly been limited to appearances in the cup competitions this season, saying: “Obviously everyone knows what’s going on with me so I’ve just got to play as well as I can whenever I play. I’ve obviously got a contract. I don’t know what happens next season.”
At this stage of his career, it would be unsurprising if the former Burnley man wanted to move on, given that he has already proven he is up to the task of being a first-choice goalkeeper, rather than a back-up.
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The race is heating up.
During his time with the Clarets, the one-time England international matched the record for clean sheets in a season (29), with his side going on to achieve promotion.
Having also been lauded as “sensational” by reporter Nazira Yusuf, Trafford would be the logical choice to replace Martinez.