There has been a big update on the future of Tottenham target James Trafford, who looks set to exit Manchester City, a year on from joining the club from Burnley.
It has been widely claimed that Tottenham have identified Trafford as a target to replace Guglielmo Vicario, who is expected to return to the Serie A this summer.
However, there have been several twists and turns already in the race for the Man City goalkeeper. It has been reported that Newcastle and Aston Villa are ready to challenge Spurs for the England international.
Last week, Football Insider suggested that Villa may hold the upper hand over Spurs in the race for Trafford, and the race could now be about to get even more complicated.
Newcastle believe James Trafford wants to join them over Tottenham
The Telegraph have now revealed that Newcastle have settled on a three-man shortlist as they look to replace Nick Pope with a new number one this summer.
The name topping the list is Trafford, who has been on the Magpies’ radar for a long time, and who is viewed by the St James Park hierarchy as a ‘complete package’.
It is revealed that Newcastle thought they had a deal wrapped up for the 23-year-old last summer after they agreed a £27m fee with Burnley, but Man City took advantage of their right-to-match clause to take the goalkeeper back to the Etihad.
Despite facing competition from the likes of Spurs, Villa and even Chelsea, Eddie Howe’s men believe that Trafford would like to join them this summer.
One factor could prevent Newcastle from beating Spurs to Trafford
However, The Telegraph make it clear Trafford currently earns well in excess of £100,000 a week at City, which ‘could complicate’ his move to the North East this summer.
Further, the report adds that Howe’s men do not want to get involved in a bidding war for the Man City man.
Finally, the report says that the other two goalkeepers on Newcastle’s shortlist are Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen and Lens’ Robin Risser, who have also been linked with a move to Spurs this summer.