Tottenham Hotspur are now seriously considering a £20 million move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford next month, as the club searches for a long-term solution following a series of unfortunate events.
The goalkeeping position at Tottenham Hotspur has rarely been a source of contention in recent seasons, but a confluence of unfortunate events has thrown the role into the spotlight.
Guglielmo Vicario, who joined the club last summer as part of Ange Postecoglou’s rebuild, has been a standout performer for Spurs; however, his recent ankle surgery has sidelined him for an extended period, leaving the club to rely on veteran Fraser Forster in his absence.
While Forster boasts experience, his recent performance against Man United has led many to question his ball-playing ability.
In the Carabao Cup clash, the 36-year-old made two glaring errors that nearly cost Tottenham their place in the competition.
Although his teammates managed to spare his blushes and secure progression, Forster’s display has raised serious questions about his reliability as a long-term solution.
As the Lilywhites continue to struggle without Vicario, reports now suggest that Postecoglou has been granted the green light to dip into the January transfer market, with an immediate focus on identifying a suitable replacement for Vicario.
According to The Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up a £20million move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, who has emerged as the club’s top target following Vicario’s injury.
Trafford, a 22-year-old England youth international, is highly regarded for his potential and composure, traits that align with Postecoglou’s long-term vision for the squad.
Spurs view Trafford not only as a short-term solution but also as a player with the capacity to develop into a key figure at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The young keeper, who joined Burnley from Manchester City, has impressed during his tenure with the Clarets, particularly for his role in helping Burnley maintain the best defensive record in the Championship this season.
Sources also reveal that Trafford is not the only name on Tottenham’s radar, with Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson and Sheffield Wednesday’s Pierce Charles also under consideration; however, the Burnley goalkeeper appears to be the club’s preferred choice.
Negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming weeks, as Spurs aim to secure his services before other suitors emerge.
Tottenham’s interest in James Trafford is not without precedent, as Premier League clubs have increasingly looked to the Championship for emerging talent.
Trafford’s experience at Burnley, where he has made close to 50 appearances since his move from Manchester City, makes him a compelling prospect.
His ability, coupled with his age and potential, could make him an ideal understudy—and eventual competitor—for Vicario.
However, questions remain over whether Burnley will be willing to part with their promising shot-stopper mid-season, especially given their promotion ambitions under Scott Parker.
It is worth noting that Newcastle United failed to secure a deal for Trafford during the summer, which could serve as a cautionary tale for Tottenham.
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