Tottenham have held loose talks over signing a 'strong' Man City player amid concerns over one of their most selected players, according to a new report this week.
Tottenham set for active January transfer window
As already confirmed by under-fire boss Thomas Frank, Spurs are set for an active January.
“Of course. We will definitely be in the market. No doubt about that,” Frank said last week.
“We want them as early as possible, like every other time and let’s see if we can have them before the 31st of January."
Co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange, who were newly announced in the dual role earlier this season, are also set for their first transfer window officially working in unison, and it could be a crucial one.
Pressure is mounting on Frank after a dismal 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, and sections of supporters are convinced that the Dane isn't the right man to take them forward in this new era post-Daniel Levy.
Reports suggest that Tottenham will look to back Frank with a new forward signing next month to alleviate the burden on Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus as their arguable two most important creators.
Dejan Kulusevski isn't expected back any time soon, with Sweden boss Graham Potter predicting a March return for the winger and hopefully in time for their World Cup play-off against Ukraine.
Meanwhile, James Maddison is still undergoing his long-winded rehab from an ACL injury sustained in pre-season, so he could be out until nearer the end of 2025/2026.
Bringing in an alternative winger may well be crucial, with Fabrizio Romano reporting this week that Tottenham are aggressively pursuing Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo after news of his £65 million release clause.
Meanwhile, an attacker might not be the only item on Paratici and Lange's agenda, with 'growing concerns' surrounding goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario following a litany of high-profile errors this season.
That is according to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, who report that Frank's side are also in the market for a new shot-stopper.
Tottenham hold loose talks to sign Man City keeper James Trafford
As per their information, Tottenham have held exploratory talks over Man City goalkeeper James Trafford as Frank prepares to address worries about Vicario ahead of January.
The 23-year-old has emerged as a priority target for Spurs, who believe the young Englishman represents an ideal foundation for their goalkeeping position moving forward.
Trafford rejoined City in the summer following his impressive Championship campaign with Burnley, yet finds himself trapped behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in the pecking order at the Etihad.
City are understood to be receptive toward allowing Trafford's exit to facilitate his development, with early conversations surrounding a temporary deal including a mandatory buy clause.
However, Pep Guardiola has already indicated his preference to keep the goalkeeper until the end of the season, though Trafford himself is pushing for regular action elsewhere.
Guardiola lavished praise on Trafford as a 'strong' character with a 'big personality' too, right after Tottenham upset City at Eastlands back in August.
“What happened does not belong just to James," Guardiola said.
"To James what happened with the second goal [against Spurs], he’s a strong man and huge personality."
This comes as Frank weighs up a potential replacement for Vicario, who's been linked with a return to Italy with Inter Milan next year.
Trafford's age and high ceiling make him an attractive proposition for Frank's rebuild.
The England prospect combines senior experience with untapped potential for growth. His stature, shot-stopping credentials and comfortable distribution would also address Vicario's deficiencies.
A structured loan would also give Tottenham financial flexibility, while evaluating whether Trafford can really handle the pressure at a top club challenging for European qualification and silverware.