Aston Villa transfer decision could green light major Newcastle United move

Aston Villa intend to turn down offers for goalkeeper Emi Martinez this summer, in a move which is set to help Newcastle United in their bid to land Manchester City shot-stopper James Trafford. Newcastle have long admired the England keeper, who is keen to leave the Etihad this summer in order to play regular first-team football. United held positive talks with Trafford's representatives last year when he was at Burnley, but City activiated a buy-back clause in his contract to re-sign him from under Newcastle's noses. However, with the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Trafford has been forced to play the role of back-up option, something he is keen to change this summer. Get Chronicle Premium now for just £1 HERE – exclusive news and features, our NUFC and Academy notebooks, John Gibson's columns plus an ad-lite experience Newcastle and Villa are both said to be keen on a deal for the 23-year-old, who will wait until after the World Cup before making any decision on his future. Villa can offer Champions League football, of course, with speculation over the future of their current No 1 Martinez again growing. He almost joined Manchester United 12 months ago, but remained at Villa Park, and now reports in Italy suggest Juventus are interested in the experienced Argentinian. However, our sister site Birmingham Live report that Villa will reject offers for the 33-year-oold, suggesting he will remain as Unai Emery's first-choice keeper next season. That could be good news for Newcastle's hopes of landing Trafford, although Chelsea could yet throw their hat into the ring. Newcastle have already signed French youngster Ewen Jaouen this summer, with Odysseus Vlachodimos rejoining Sevilla on loan and Aaron Ramsdale returning to Southampton have his temporary move. John Ruddy and youngster Max Thompson have also left the club. There has been interest in Nick Pope from Leeds United and Ipswich Town, but the Magpies will want to secure a new first-choice keeper before allowing Pope to depart. Trafford is part of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup, and has indicated he will review his future once their campaign has come to and end, with the Three Lions facing Norway in Saturday night's quarter-final in Miami.