Tottenham have James Trafford decision to make despite Antonin Kinsky show of faith | OneFootball

Long-time target wants out at Man City, but Roberto De Zerbi may already have a better keeper in his ranks

The first piece of Tottenham’s goalkeeping puzzle fell into place on Wedneday with the signing of Martin Dubravka.

With Guglielmo Vicario expected to leave the club this summer, Kinsky is set to be promoted to No1 after an impressive run of performances towards the end of last season.

That, however, could change if Spurs reignite their longstanding interest in Manchester City shot-stopper James Trafford.

James Trafford and Antonin Kinsky

London Standard

Roberto De Zerbi has a decision to make. He has been impressed by Kinsky's mental fortitude after his mistake-ridden performance away at Atletico Madrid in March.

But he also knows that a strong defence will be the bedrock of his side going forward, and it is unclear how Kinsky will perform over the course of a full season.

Few would begrudge De Zerbi for putting his trust in Kinsky next season, but it would still represent a risk to promote the 23-year-old to first-choice, having made just 13 Premier League appearances.

Trafford, though, is no less of a risk after struggling for minutes at City last season.

The England international has been considered one of the brightest young goalkeeping talents in the country for several years now after successful spells at Bolton and Burnley.

He is, however, untested in the Premier League and has himself made just 32 top-flight appearances.

Kinsky fits what De Zerbi wants from a keeper - excellent with his feet and calm under pressure - and has the right mentality to fill the leadership void that currently exists within Spurs’ squad.

Guglielmo Vicario

PA

The question is whether he is capable of extrapolating a pocket of good form over the course of a 38-game season.

With Dubravka through the doors, the next step is to negotiate Vicario’s departure. The Italian has attracted interest from Serie A champions Inter Milan, and his exit appears imminent.

After that, De Zerbi can assess his options and determine if he thinks Kinsky is capable of taking on the responsibility of marshalling a new-look defence that has added Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson to its ranks.

Kinsky is said to be the verge of signing a new contract, which suggests that De Zerbi feels he has a long-term future at the club.

Such a show of faith would also suggest that Kinsky is set for a prominent role next season, and with big-money targets in midfield and attack still to be negotiated, it makes sense that Spurs would look to promote from within to find Vicario’s successor.

It is not yet clear how all the different moving parts will fit into place, but De Zerbi knows that making the right call over who will be his No1 will be one of the defining decisions of his tenure.