Tottenham transfer news: Spurs 'identify £20m goalkeeper' as top target for January window

Spurs are currently without the services of their first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who suffered an ankle injury in last month's 4-0 win over Manchester City.

The Italy international had to undergo surgery and was subsequently ruled out for up to four months, leaving Fraser Forster to deputise in his absence.

Forster has made some important stops over the last seven competitive matches, although his ability with his feet was called into question in Thursday's 4-3 win over Manchester United in the EFL Cup quarter-final.

The 36-year-old made a couple of glaring errors, giving possession away in his own box for Joshua Zirkzee's goal, before he was closed down by Amad Diallo for Man United's second goal in the contest.

Spurs identify James Trafford as top goalkeeper target

Those two mistakes ultimately made it a tougher night for Ange Postecoglou's side, who still did enough to secure their place in the semi-finals.

Forster is still expected to retain his place for the time being, but some speculation as to whether Spurs could recruit a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window.

According to The Mirror, Tottenham are considering whether to make a £20m move for Trafford after identifying the Burnley shot-stopper as their top goalkeeper target.

While their pursuit has been influenced by Vicario's injury, Spurs want to sign a goalkeeper who has the potential to challenge the Italian for the number-one spot.

They seemingly view Trafford as someone who could do just that, favouring him ahead of Sunderland's Anthony Patterson and Sheffield Wednesday's Pierce Charles.

Who is James Trafford?

The Manchester City academy product was previously linked with a move to Newcastle United in the summer, but the Magpies were unable to strike a deal for the 22-year-old goalkeeper.

Tottenham will hope to experience better success in negotiations if they decide to step up their efforts to sign the Burnley shot-stopper.

Trafford already has experience of playing in the Premier League after making 28 top-flight appearances for Burnley last season.

After suffering relegation last term, the shot-stopper is now playing a key role in Burnley's bid to return to the Premier League, having kept 12 clean sheets in 21 Championship appearances this term.

It remains to be seen whether Burnley would consider parting ways with Trafford in the middle of the promotion bid, especially as the goalkeeper is under contract until the summer of 2027.

Written by

Ben Sully