Aston Villa eye James Trafford to replace Emi Martinez | OneFootball

Aston Villa are weighing up a summer move for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford as uncertainty grows around Emiliano Martinez’s future.

According to the Daily Mail, Villa are open to offers for Martinez. The 33-year-old came close to leaving Villa Park last summer after attracting significant transfer interest.

While no formal bid materialised, there has long been an acceptance behind the scenes that his stay in the Midlands could be nearing its natural conclusion.

Signed for around £16 million in 2020, Martinez has since become one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers. Villa stand to make a little profit from his sale.

Offloading one of their top earners would also ease ongoing financial pressures as the club looks to remain compliant with both Premier League and UEFA spending regulations.

With that in mind, attention has turned to the ‘incredible‘ Trafford.

The 23-year-old is emerging as a serious option as the Villains begin planning for a potential transition between the sticks.

Trafford has struggled for opportunities at City following Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival.

However, his reputation remains strong. He has made only three league appearances but has recorded one clean sheet.

Trafford was instrumental in Burnley’s promotion campaign last term. He kept 29 clean sheets in 45 appearances.

Those performances underlined his potential as a long-term number one, something he is now keen to re-establish.

Villa view Trafford as a goalkeeper capable of growing into the role if Martinez departs.

It is worth noting that Trafford has other options on the table, with several Premier League clubs interested in signing him.