Aston Villa are aggressively laying the groundwork for their summer transfer window, with Manchester City’s wantaway goalkeeper James Trafford emerging as a primary target.

According to a report from Football Insider, Unai Emery’s side are spearheading the queue to secure the 23-year-old England international, who has grown increasingly frustrated with his severe lack of playing time at the Etihad Stadium.

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As Villa look to cement their status as Champions League regulars, signing a high-ceiling, domestic talent like Trafford represents a shrewd piece of long-term succession planning for the ambitious Midlands club.

James Trafford is struggling for playing time at Man City

Trafford’s current predicament at Man City is a tale of immense frustration.

The young shot-stopper re-joined Pep Guardiola’s ranks just last summer after City activated a £31 million buy-back clause to pry him away from Burnley, notably hijacking Newcastle United’s advanced move in the process.

Trafford arrived with the expectation of heavily competing for the number one shirt, only...