Juventus rival Spurs and Villa for Man City star as transfer race heats up

Juventus are among the clubs keeping tabs on James Trafford’s situation at Manchester City.

The 23-year-old has excelled in recent months when called upon by Pep Guardiola in cup competitions to deputise for Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Trafford’s early interventions during the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal were key in City securing that trophy last month and he appears set for a place in England’s World Cup squad.

Tottenham and Aston Villa are two Premier League sides with keen interest in the former Burnley stopper, who turned down a move to Newcastle United in favour of re-joining City last summer.

Juventus would represent an intriguing option for Trafford, who recently admitted to having not known that City were moving forward with signing Donnarumma weeks after his arrival.

The Italian giants, fourth in Serie A, are looking for a new goalkeeper ahead of next season and have been determining the feasibility of a move for Trafford in recent weeks.

Staff at City have commended Trafford’s professionalism after dropping to the bench. City spent £27million on him from Burnley and would plan to make money on that transfer were he to leave permanently.

Juve, however, are more likely to be shopping in the region of £17m, which would make a loan switch more favourable.

Alisson at Liverpool and Fiorentina’s David De Gea also have admirers at Juve, with the club still deciding what profile of goalkeeper would suit.

Toulouse’s Guillaume Restes and Konstantinos Tzolakis at Olympiacos are of interest as younger prospects, more in line with Trafford.

Trafford is expected to start when City face Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.