Tottenham plan to step up transfer interest in Manchester City goalkeeper

Manchester City and Tottenham could be set for transfer talks in the upcoming summer transfer window over the future of England international James Trafford.

The 23-year-old’s situation at the Etihad Stadium is expected to attract significant attention in the coming months, with several Premier League sides monitoring developments closely just a year on from Trafford returning to City in a £31 million deal from Burnley.

After beginning the season with regular league involvement, a reshuffle in the goalkeeping department altered his standing within Pep Guardiola’s squad as Gianluigi Donnarumma took on the No.1 position from the summer deadline day onwards.

Since then, Trafford has operated as Manchester City’s designated option in domestic cup competitions, maintaining sharpness while waiting for further opportunities in the Premier League and Champions League.

His performances in knockout fixtures have reinforced his reputation as one of England’s most promising young goalkeepers, ensuring that interest has remained strong despite limited top-flight starts in recent months.

Now, according to a new report from Football Insider, Tottenham are planning to step up interest in James Trafford, if the player is allowed to leave Manchester City this summer.

It is explained that the England international’s discontent at being No.2 behind Donnarumma has led to growing interest from a number of Premier League clubs, including Tottenham, who feel Trafford would be an upgrade on current options.

From City’s perspective, any approach would need to align with long-term planning, with Guardiola consistently praising Trafford’s professionalism, particularly following standout moments such as decisive saves against Newcastle in the recent Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg.

Trafford’s profile – young, homegrown, and experienced in high-pressure cup ties – fits the mould of a long-term solution for those at Tottenham, and the North London club will likely view him as capable of stepping into a leading role immediately should a deal become feasible.

With Gianluigi Donnarumma occupying the primary role at the Etihad Stadium, the coming transfer window is shaping up to be pivotal in determining whether James Trafford remains part of Pep Guardiola’s plans or seeks a new chapter elsewhere in the Premier League.