Exclusive: West Ham to Challenge Aston Villa for James Trafford if Man City Sell

West Ham United will rival Aston Villa for James Trafford’s signature if the goalkeeper decides to leave Manchester City this summer, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. 

Only seven months after rejoining Pep Guardiola’s side from Burnley, where he spent two years as the club’s number one, Trafford’s future at the Etihad is already shrouded in doubt following the Catalan’s decision to capture Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Villa are known to be monitoring the England under-21 international’s situation closely as they look to identify a long-term successor to Emiliano Martinez. 

But the Irons are also admirers of Trafford, sources told SportsBoom last night, and are expected to join the race for his services if they avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Although the Londoner’s tenuous grip on top-flight status makes Unai Emery’s employers favourites to win the race for one of the country’s best young shot-stoppers, allowing them to try and open negotiations whenever they like.

Guardiola closed the door on a January exit for Trafford, allowing Stefan Ortega to depart for Nottingham Forest rather than leaving Trafford on the bench behind Donnarumma at the Etihad.

Nuno Keen On New Keeper

Nuno Espirito Santo, the West Ham manager, is also considering the possibility of piecing together a proposal to table with the player’s representatives. 

However, even if he persuades his employers to come on board, Nuno’s focus at present is trying to steer the Hammers out of the bottom three. 

And that means, if City do decide to sell, Nuno must be in a position to move quickly or risk seeing Villa pounce before he can even show his hand.

Despite naming Donnarumma as his first choice, Guardiola is in no hurry to sell Trafford given his potential. 

However, aged 23, Trafford knows that performing a supporting role to the Italian will hamper his bid to secure a place in Thomas Tuchel’s senior squad at a critical phase of his career.

Trafford turned professional with City before heading to Turf Moor in a £15m switch and put pen to paper on a five year contract upon returning.