Leeds United have been linked with several targets since the transfer window opened. Many fans are anticipating a busy summer for the 49ers.
Expectations will be higher than last year, when the club brought in 10 new players.
But club chairman Paraag Marathe has warned that there will be a more logical approach to this current window. He mentioned that the club will not be pursuing any player just because, they will sign stars who meet a need.
With the new Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) rules in place, it also points to the fact that there will be departures.
The first one is already out of the door; Pascal Struijk joined Brighton and Hove Albion last week, and will play against his former club in the Premier League this season.
Leeds United need to pull the trigger on England star
Leeds United have had an eye on some of the players at this FIFA World Cup.
Many targets have been linked in the last few weeks; from Japan’s Zion Suzuki and Ayase Ueda, and Sweden star Jacob Zetterström. The club have some of them down as potential targets.
One player Leeds need to focus on and push to sign later this month is James Trafford.
The England keeper had a decent campaign in his first year back at Manchester City. However, he mentioned that he is not happy with the playing time this campaign, and is open to leaving.
He will have discussions with new City boss Enzo Maresca over a move.
Trafford has reportedly set his sights on Newcastle United, if he does leave the Etihad.
The 49ers must push to sign James Trafford; a player they pursued last summer after winning promotion. And unfortunately enough, he went to another club. But this summer will be the big chance to sign the 23-year old.
READ MORE: Leeds United abandon move for World Cup centre-back over asking price
Why a move for James Trafford makes sense
Karl Darlow is a free agent, which leave Lucas Perri as the only first choice keeper under contract this summer. It has been a complex situation for Leeds for over a year now and the club need to fix it.
The Manchester City star won’t come cheap; his current club spent in excess of £20 million to sign him.
Reports suggest that he is currently valued around £40 million, which would be a steep asking price for Leeds. But considering the fact that the Whites have pursued targets of a similar price tag, a move is plausible.
Signing Trafford makes a whole lot of sense; he is young and already an England international.
He is proven at this level, and will be the first choice for a long time if he does choose to sign. That £40 million fee should be seen as a huge investment, rather than an overspend for Leeds.
James Trafford is exactly what is needed. Right age right pedigree and right price regardless of cheaper options. I hope we get him and end our dodgy keeper scenario for the foreseeable future.We should recoup some of the outlay by selling Perri.