Aston Villa targeting summer move for £40m Man City star | OneFootball

Aston Villa are interested in signing Manchester City star James Trafford. 

Emiliano Martinez is Villa’s first-choice goalkeeper this season. However, the 33-year-old has had an uneasy relationship with the club since he failed to get his desired transfer last summer. 

Martinez hoped to join Manchester United, Chelsea or Atletico Madrid, but a move didn’t materialise. 

The World Cup winner could still leave Villa Park this summer, despite his contract not expiring until 2029. 

According to the Times, Villa are monitoring Trafford as a potential replacement for Martinez. 

The young goalkeeper rejoined City from Burnley for an initial £27 million last summer. 

City also signed Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is currently Pep Guardiola’s first-choice stopper. 

Trafford has made 14 appearances across all competitions this season, with only three coming in the Premier League. 

He has still impressed as City’s back-up keeper, making a stunning triple save to help his side win the League Cup final against Arsenal. 

Trafford would be an impressive signing for Villa, as he is young, boasts exceptional shot-stopping ability and has strong distribution skills. 

The transfer fee could be a major stumbling block, as City are likely to demand around £40m to let him leave this summer. 

Villa also face competition for the 23-year-old, with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur also keen.

Stats from Transfermarkt.