Manchester City are expected to block their underutilized £27m signing from joining Tottenham in January.

Speculation has continued to swirl around Guglielmo Vicario’s future, although some reports insist Tottenham have no immediate plans to replace the Italian. Dean Jones has suggested that Spurs are instead focused on signing a new goalkeeper to act as Vicario’s backup, effectively replacing Antonin Kinsky in the squad.

Manchester City reluctant to sell James Trafford

James Trafford has previously emerged as a potential target for Tottenham, particularly after the England international found opportunities limited following Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival at Manchester City.

However, journalist Pete O’Rourke reports that City are unlikely to sanction his departure despite Trafford’s frustration. Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke explained:

> “Trafford is unhappy with his current situation because he’s firmly behind Donnarumma in the pecking order. He’s eager to stake a claim for a place in England’s World Cup squad, and a lack of game time makes that difficult. That’s why there’s growing talk about his future. Newcastle have tracked him for some time, Aston Villa have been linked amid questions over Emiliano Martinez, and Spurs are also interested. But I can’t see City agreeing to sell him in January. Even if he’s unsettled, they won’t want to reduce their goalkeeping depth halfway through the season.”

Tottenham could be in the market for a new first-choice keeper

Spurs may eventually be forced into searching for a new number one in the summer if reports from Italy are accurate. It is claimed that Vicario’s representatives have held discussions with Inter Milan over a possible move, with the 29-year-old said to be open to a return to Serie A once the season concludes.

Emiliano Martinez has been named as a possible successor should Vicario leave, while multiple reports indicate that Tottenham are already assessing goalkeeper options ahead of the January transfer window.