West Ham launch enquiry for Manchester City star – Alternative option offered | OneFootball

Manchester City offered one of their first-team stars to West Ham United following an enquiry launched by those at the London Stadium, according to reports.

The latest development further underlines how closely City’s goalkeeping department is being monitored across the Premier League, with movement expected either in January or ahead of the summer of 2026.

Since Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival as the club’s new number one, both James Trafford and Stefan Ortega have found themselves at the centre of growing speculation regarding their respective futures.

Pep Guardiola has already attempted to calm the situation surrounding Trafford by making it clear the England international will not be leaving in January. The City manager publicly described Trafford as “incredible” and reiterated he is firmly part of his plans.

That firm stance has inevitably redirected attention toward Stefan Ortega, whose contract situation and reduced playing time have made him the most realistic candidate for any mid-season change. As previously reported by The Athletic, Ortega has already been holding ‘explorative talks’ with several clubs.

Now, according to the information of West Ham insider ‘ExWHUEmployee‘, West Ham had enquired about James Trafford at City, who responded with a reluctance to release the player this month.

However, it is pointed out that the Premier League giants did offer the possibility of Stefan Ortega heading to the London Stadium instead.

This approach aligns closely with what has already been reported in that Guardiola would prefer to retain Trafford and instead facilitate Ortega’s departure, particularly with the German goalkeeper expected to leave on a free transfer in 2026 if no deal is agreed before.

For West Ham, Ortega would represent an experienced and proven Premier League option, having played an important role during Manchester City’s Treble-winning campaign and consistently delivering when called upon.

With European ambitions and domestic stability in mind, the opportunity to secure a goalkeeper of Ortega’s calibre could be attractive if discussions progress, but whether the London club pursue that route remains to be seen.

Much will depend on their confidence in Ortega’s short-term availability and City’s willingness to sanction a deal that suits all parties. What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that City are positioning Stefan Ortega as their most flexible asset in any January negotiations.