We assess which clubs might be interested in signing James Trafford, with the young English goalkeeper potentially departing Manchester City this summer.
Despite only joining the Citizens in a deal worth a reported £30m last summer, Trafford has found Premier League minutes hard to come by, with Gianluigi Donnarumma being Pep Guardiola's preferred choice between the sticks.
In total, the former Burnley stopper has made just three appearances in the top flight this season, with his last appearance coming in matchweek three before Donnarumma joined the club.
While Premier League appearances have been hard to come by, Trafford did start all of Manchester City's EFL Cup matches - which included the final - and all four of City's FA Cup games to date.
Trafford himself has admitted that his transfer back to Manchester "hasn't been the best possible outcome", with a second permanent move away from the club looking increasingly likely.
With that in mind, let's take a look at some potential destinations for James Trafford this summer.
Aston Villa
One side most heavily linked with a move for Trafford this summer, Aston Villa are likely to be looking for a replacement for Emiliano Martinez.
The Argentine has long been linked with an exit from Villa Park and 23-year-old Trafford presents a unique opportunity to replace the two-time Yashin Trophy winner.
Assuming the Villans are able to spend the funds required to make a deal happen - and Martinez departs the club - Trafford's shot stopping and footwork would make him the ideal replacement in Unai Emery's system.
Newcastle United
Long linked with a move to sign the former Burnley man, Newcastle United are likely to be amongst Trafford's queue of suitors this summer.
The Magpies were close to signing him last summer, with Trafford ultimately deciding to rejoin his former club, unaware of the impending move for one of the world's best goalkeepers.
If he had the chance again, it is likely that he would choose a move to St James' Park last summer and Eddie Howe's side will be hoping that they didn't miss their chance to capture the 23-year-old.
Brighton and Hove Albion
Despite some question marks over pulling power and affordability, European qualification could give Brighton & Hove Albion the opportunity to snap up another top talent.
Whilst they already possess a solid first-choice goalkeeper, the Seagulls' current number one Bart Verbruggen has long been linked with an exit, leaving the door open for a move for Trafford.
With a strong track record of developing talent and allowing them to move onto bigger and better things, a move to the south coast could be Trafford's route back to the top of the Premier League.
Liverpool
While this appears to be a strange link, there are certainly a number of reasons why Liverpool could move for Trafford.
Reports suggest that the injury prone Alisson may be set to depart Anfield this summer, leaving a rather large 6'4" hole in the Liverpool goalkeeping department.
The Reds do already employ a young goalkeeper in Giorgi Mamardashvili, but the Georgian has yet to show form capable of filling the shoes of the legendary Brazilian.
With that in mind, Trafford could be the perfect option to compete for Arne Slot's number one shirt and establish himself at one of England's biggest clubs.
Chelsea
After spending almost £1.5bn since their takeover in 2022, Chelsea have somehow continued to neglect their goalkeeper department.
With options of Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, both having struggled so far this season, Chelsea surely have to be in the running to capture one of the best young keepers in the world.
At 23 years old, Trafford would also fit into the current business model of buying premier young talent, following in the footsteps of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer and many more.
Tottenham Hotspur
Despite being embroiled in a relegation dogfight, Tottenham Hotspur have already reportedly began contingency planning for remaining a top-flight outfit, with Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi said to be close to joining the club on a free transfer ahead of next season - subject to survival.
Should they secure their Premier League status, Spurs will undoubtedly be in the market for a new goalkeeper, with Guglielmo Vicario and Antonin Kinsky both making high-profile blunders throughout the campaign.
Trafford would present a proven and well priced option, whilst also helping the club to fulfill their homegrown player quota.
