“He will make a move…”: Tottenham tipped to sign “quality” Premier League star in January

Manchester City's James Trafford. (REUTERS/Phil Noble)

Tottenham have been a study in contrasts in recent weeks, delivering highs and lows in equal measure.

After a frustrating run of defeats to Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Fulham, Spurs responded with two encouraging wins: a 2–0 Premier League victory over Brentford and a commanding 3–0 triumph over Slavia Prague in the Champions League.

That, however, was then followed by a 3-0 trouncing of their own at the hands of Nottingham Forest – a result that has left Thomas Frank’s side in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Amid this rollercoaster of results, one glaring problem has emerged: Guglielmo Vicario’s error-prone form between the sticks. Tottenham are reportedly seeking reinforcements in goal as the January transfer window approaches, and one name has emerged at the top of their shortlist.

With that in mind, Spurs are now reported to have identified Manchester City’s James Trafford as a potential solution to their ongoing goalkeeping concerns, a move that could finally bring stability to a position that has been a source of frustration this season.

According to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford has attracted interest from multiple Premier League clubs, with Tottenham among those monitoring the 23-year-old.

Trafford currently sits behind Gianluigi Donnarumma at City and is expected to seek regular first-team football elsewhere.

Wyness told Football Insider: “He’s a quality keeper and I think there are a few clubs that are still unhappy in that position.”

He added: “Obviously it’s very hard to be the number two to Donnarumma because you’re not going to get much chance unless he gets injured. I think he will make a move.”

The former Burnley player is also on the radar of Newcastle and Aston Villa, but Spurs could offer the best opportunity for immediate Premier League starts.

A January transfer would give Trafford the playing time he craves while addressing Tottenham’s urgent need for stability in goal.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.