Aston Villa have received a huge boost ahead of the summer transfer window, with James Trafford preferring to join them instead of Newcastle United, according to Football Insider.
Villa and Newcastle both hold a strong interest in signing the unhappy Manchester City star at the end of the season, as they look to boost their goalkeeping departments ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
The Villans still have faint hopes of winning the Premier League title with 12 matches of the season left to play, as they have a game in hand on leaders Arsenal, who lie eight points above them following their shock 2-2 draw with rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night.
Aston Villa chiefs will already be considering their summer moves to give Unai Emery a further boost if they qualify for the Champions League again.
James Trafford Would Prefer to Work Under Emery
Unai Emery at a press conference
Trafford is likely to be a goalkeeper in demand should he leave the Etihad this summer, with Villa and Newcastle just two of the Premier League clubs who would like to sign the England international.
According to Football Insider, the huge 6 ft 6 stopper would choose a move to Villa Park over St James' Park though, with the Midlands club on course to qualify for the Champions League as they lie third in the table.
Meanwhile, it has been a more difficult season for Newcastle, who sit in 10th position, nine points adrift of Manchester United in the final top four spot.
The chance to play in Europe's elite club competition under Emery is said to be tempting for Trafford, if a City exit gets the green light.
Trafford Let Down After 2025 Transfer
James Trafford applauding the Burnley supporters
The former Burnley goalkeeper rejoined his former club last summer with the expectation of being the first choice under Pep Guardiola, and he would have been shocked when Gianluigi Donnarumma then arrived later in the same transfer window, usurping him as the club's number one.
The 23-year-old has spent the majority of the season on the substitutes' bench as a result, with the majority of his 11 appearances in all competitions coming in the domestic cup competitions.
Newcastle have held a long-term interest in the Englishman, and moved to sign Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton last summer once Trafford sealed a move to the Etihad.
Is James Trafford an Emi Martinez Upgrade?
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez apologises after 5-1 defeat v Newcastle
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez apologises after 5-1 defeat v Newcastle
Given Trafford's thirst for starts, you'd assume that he's been told that he would be first-choice at Villa Park if he made the move.
GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT how good Trafford is compared to Emi Martinez, and this is what it said.
Experience: Martínez has significantly more Premier League and international minutes, making him a proven performer; Trafford is promising but still developing.
Shot-stopping & Presence: Martínez excels in clutch, high-pressure situations and command of his area; Trafford shows strong fundamentals but less consistency at the top level.
Distribution & Potential: Trafford’s ball-playing and composure suit modern buildup play and suggest higher long-term upside; Martínez’s strengths are match-impact and leadership here and now.
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