Man City to accept £40m James Trafford bid as Aston Villa make their move

Manchester City have set their summer asking price for goalkeeper James Trafford at the £40million mark amid interest from Aston Villa.

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from the Etihad Stadium ever since Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived in the latter stages of last summer’s transfer window.

Trafford was promised the number one spot by Pep Guardiola, but has since found himself playing second fiddle, and that has left him keen to move elsewhere ahead of next season.

Unai Emery’s side are one of a whole host of Premier League clubs that have shown a strong and sustained interest in the shot-stopper, and they now know exactly what it will take to sign him this summer.

Emi Martinez’s future at Aston Villa is up in the air once again, and the second city outfit have now taken a crucial step to explore Trafford as his potential successor.

🔄 Aston Villa Transfer Update 🔄

Breaking news on signings, departures, and contract news from the Aston Villa boardroom.

Trafford’s future looks set to be decided this summer, with the likes of Villa, Newcastle, Chelsea and Tottenham all queuing up for the chance to sign him.

Villa have already made their move towards the youngster, as they have made contact over a potential deal with his representatives, according to The iPaper.

The Villans are currently joined at the front of the queue to sign the gloveman by Newcastle, who are working hard to try to find a long-term replacement for Nick Pope ahead of next term.

Manchester City are not actively looking to sell Trafford, but it is understood that it is increasingly likely that they will accept an offer for him that meets the £40million mark.

The idea of netting a profit on a backup player is thought to be tempting to Guardiola and Co., while Trafford himself is not content with his three Premier League appearances this season.

Football Insider revealed at the end of April that Aston Villa are expecting an offer for Martinez this summer, with Inter Milan currently showing a strong interest in his services.

The Argentine stopper has come close to departing Villa Park on several occasions in recent years, and the Villans are now expecting the Italian giants to make their move in the coming months.

Martinez has also been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool as an alternative to Alisson, who has struggled for both form and fitness at times this season.

The interest in their first-choice ‘keeper has unsurprisingly seen Villa take the initiative when it comes to a move for Trafford this summer, as they won’t want to be left to rely on Marco Bizot.

🦁 ASTON VILLA INSIDER UPDATE 🦁

Get the inside track on the Villa Park dugout, transfer strategy, player wages, and technical leadership at Bodymoor Heath.