Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford targeted by rival for summer transfer

Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford is being linked to a summer move away from the Etihad, with Tottenham Hotspur the frontrunners.

First reported by TEAMtalk, Spurs are keen to acquire the 23-year-old's signature as new manager Roberto De Zerbi begins his rebuild, despite it unknown as to whether the club will be in the Premier League or the Championship next season. 

For Trafford, a move to Spurs could be the opportunity he needs after his future at City remains unclear following the arrival of Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma. 

Trafford demoted within weeks at City

Joining City last July for £27 million, Trafford signed a five-year deal on the assumption that he would be the club's new number one after the departure of Ederson. 

However, Trafford's role as City's number one keeper vanished when Donnarumma was signed on deadline day with the England international now only playing in cup matches after featuring in City's August Premier League games at the start of the season. 

While Donnarumma has proven to be a worthy signing City, and his shot stopping often deciding the club's fate in high stakes matches, Trafford will feel frustarted and betrayed after his role in the team was undermined within months. 

Trafford was in the team which beat Arsenal to lift the Carabao Cup in March, with his triple save at 0-0 proving vital, but for someone who is being backed to be a future England number one, there are those who feel Trafford needs more game time in what is a crucial stage in his career. 

Trafford 'didn't expect' Donnarumma arrival

Trafford remained mostly silent since the Italian giant arrived in East Manchester, but after City's win over Salford City in the FA Cup, he gave his perspective on the goalkeeping situation at the club. 

"I didn't expect the situation to happen, but it happened, so just get on with it," Trafford responded when asked about whether he expected to serving as a backup. 

"Work very hard every day and then see what happens, give it my best shot.

"I don't know what happens next season. I just know that I'll just take it a day at a time and try and improve."

These comments felt like a stock response from Trafford, who did not want to throw a grenade into the City dressing room, but deep down, he surely wants to be playing more frequently after an impressive promotion campaign with Burnley last season. 

Would Trafford move to a relegated Spurs? 

Despite Spurs' struggles, Trafford reportedly is interested in the move to north London, regardless of which league Tottenham find themselves in, and City are open to a sale, albeit they will charge a premium. 

If this is the first sign of De Zerbi's rebuild, it's clear he is looking to invest in young talent and build a squad, instead of buying big names and stringing a team together. 

With Guglielmo Vicario inconsistent between the sticks for Spurs, Trafford could be what's needed to bring a sense of calm and consistency to the team's defensive efforts for the foreseeable future.

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