Trafford Spurns Spurs for Newcastle Move as De Zerbi's Shopping Spree Hits a Rare Snag

Tottenham's summer spending spree may finally hit a roadblock. After a summer of lavish investment backing Roberto De Zerbi's vision, the north London outfit look set to miss out on Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, with Newcastle emerging as the stronger draw.

The 23-year-old England international, deemed surplus to requirements at City following Gianluigi Donnarumma's arrival last summer, has become a priority target for multiple suitors. Yet whilst Spurs are actively pushing for a deal worth around £40m, Trafford appears increasingly receptive to the prospect of joining Newcastle instead—where guaranteed first-team football awaits.

De Zerbi has already sanctioned a spending splurge that would make most chairmen nervous. Three veteran free agents—Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi—have arrived to add experience and leadership. Beyond that, the Italian has already splashed out £237m on established Premier League performers in their prime, securing Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. Wingers remain on the agenda too, with Savinho leading a shopping list that also includes Rafael Leao and Cody Gakpo.

Trafford was earmarked as the upgrade to Antonin Kinsky following Guglielmo Vicario's expected return to Serie A, though Manchester City's recent agreement to bring Pierce Charles back from Sheffield Wednesday has cleared the path for his departure.

The problem for Spurs? Newcastle have their own goalkeeper crisis to solve. With Ipswich Town preparing a formal offer for Nick Pope—who finished last season between the sticks at St James' Park—the Magpies need an immediate replacement. Trafford, third-choice in Thomas Tuchel's England squad, has accepted he must leave City this summer to secure regular action.

Crucially, he previously turned down Newcastle's advances last summer, opting for the Manchester City move from Burnley instead. This time around, however, the Northern Echo reports he's now willing to listen. Should the financial elements align, Tyneside appears the more attractive proposition than another battle for minutes in north London.