James Trafford to Tottenham £40m update: Spurs transfer pursuit gets more complicated

Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford just got even harder following the latest update on the England international’s future.

It has been widely reported that Tottenham have identified Trafford as an option to replace Guglielmo Vicario this summer ahead of Roberto De Zerbi’s first full season in charge.

Sources have suggested that Man City are ready to sell the Spurs target this summer, but the Lilywhites will face plenty of competition for the goalkeeper.

Several outlets have suggested over recent weeks that Newcastle and Aston Villa are ready to challenge Tottenham for Trafford, and to make matters worse, another Premier League club have now entered the race.

Tottenham would have to pay around £35m-£40m to prise Trafford away from the Etihad Stadium.

Brighton view Tottenham target James Trafford as a ‘dream’ signing

Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has now revealed that while the Englishman is open to leaving Man City, Pep Guardiola’s men want to keep him.

That is not the only complication that Tottenham will face in their pursuit, as the journalist adds that Brighton view Trafford as their ‘dream’ target should Bart Verbruggen leave the club this summer.

Plettenberg wrote on X: “James Trafford is open to leaving Manchester City this summer in order to play regularly. MCFC want to keep him. For Brighton, he is one of the dream transfer targets should Bart Verbruggen leave the club.

“Other high-ranking candidates include Robin Risser (RC Lens) and Noah Atubolu. Trafford is also on the shortlist of several other English clubs – one to watch.”

Why Brighton’s interest in Trafford may not be bad news for Spurs

It may not be completely bad news for the Lilywhites that the Seagulls are eyeing the Man City star as a possible replacement for Verbruggen.

This is because some publications have suggested that Roberto De Zerbi wants to reunite with Verbruggen at Tottenham this summer.

The South Coast club’s interest in Robin Risser is also significant for Spurs, who are also allegedly exploring a move for the Lens goalkeeper.

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