Aston Villa Transfer News: Villa Target James Trafford as Emiliano Martinez Replacement

Aston Villa are targeting a move for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford as a potential replacement for Emiliano Martinez, according to The Daily Mail.

Trafford rejoined City last summer with a view to becoming first choice for the Cityzens having shone for Burnley last season.

However, City opted to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day, and Trafford has found playing time hard to come by following the Italian’s arrival.

Trafford struggling for minutes

The England international hasn’t started a league match since the 2-1 defeat at Brighton in August and has been restricted to a fringe role.

Trafford, though, has been excellent when called upon, starring in recent cup wins over Arsenal and Liverpool.

While City are reluctant to cash in on the youngster, Trafford is keen for regular first-team opportunities, with a summer exit likely.

And Villa are one of a number of teams keeping tabs on Trafford ahead of the summer transfer window.

Martinez tipped to leave this summer

Current Villans shotstopper Martinez has been linked with a move away from Villa Park in the off season having pushed for an exit last year.

A move to Manchester United failed to come to fruition for the Argentine, while Atletico Madrid also showed an interest in Martinez, who has remained first choice under Unai Emery regardless.

Even so, Villa are weighing up whether to cash in on the 2022 World Cup winner as they look to trim their wage bill, with Martinez among the club’s highest earners.

Villa shotstopper missed Forest stalemate

Martinez missed the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest last weekend owing to a calf strain sustained in the warm up.

And it remains to be seen whether the former Arsenal man will return to the side for the welcome of Bologna on Thursday.

Villa hold a commanding lead over the Serie A side having claimed a first leg 3-1 win in Italy last week.