Image Credits: Imago Images
Aston Villa and Liverpool are both engaged in a tight-race for the fourth position in the Premier League, although the pair of clubs will be happy that fifth place also provides Champions League football thanks to England’s UEFA co-efficient.
With three games left to play, the Reds sit fourth on 58 points, level with Aston Villa in fifth, while Bournemouth lurk just five points behind on 53 – meaning both Liverpool and Villa are essentially fighting for the same prize on the field.
But off the pitch, it seems both clubs could also be fighting for another prize too, but this one in the form of Manchester City’s James Trafford.
Reliable Premier League insider SullyTalkz has reported that Unai Emery’s side have opened preliminary talks for the former Trafford:
Aston Villa have held initial talks with James Trafford’s representatives in recent weeks,” he wrote on X.
“Wages have been a stumbling block for Newcastle United as of now, but interest remains. Tottenham Hotspur are also looking at the situation. The 23-year-old is expected to leave Manchester City this summer.”
It was reported by GOAL at the end of April that the 23-year-old was attracting Liverpool interest.
For Liverpool, Alisson Becker is approaching the final year of his contract and Juventus have made the Brazilian a top target this summer. A move for Trafford would make a lot of sense when looking through that lens.
Should Alisson depart, Giorgi Mamardashvili would step up as the senior option. Even so, the Reds would want serious competition for the Georgian – although the England international is likely looking to be the undisputed starter at his next club having played second fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma all season.
Trafford dud did not start a single Premier League game since the Italian’s arrival, limited to just cup appearances. It then seems difficult to imagine Liverpool can tempt him to Anfield without clear assurances he would be the No.1.
Excl: #AVFC have held initial talks with James Trafford’s representatives in recent weeks. Wages have been a stumbling block for #NUFC as of now, but interest remains. #THFC are also looking at the situation. The 23-year-old is expected to leave #MCFC this summer. w/ @szyexcl pic.twitter.com/5rDv7RcH7B
— Sully (@SullyTalkz) May 6, 2026