Leeds United made James Trafford their number one goalkeeping target at the start of the summer and are now pushing to wrap up the deal as soon as possible.
The Whites stepped up their interest last week by opening advanced talks with Manchester City over the England international, with Daniel Farke keen to strengthen his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
Although Leeds considered several goalkeepers before the window opened, Trafford quickly emerged as the clear favourite. Since then, the recruitment team have focused their efforts on securing the 23-year-old’s signature.
While several other clubs have shown an interest in Trafford, Leeds are becoming increasingly optimistic that they will get the deal over the line, with negotiations now entering the final stages.
Read More: James Trafford’s Leeds deal slammed on talkSPORT – ”He’s worth £15m”
Graham Smyth reveals the latest on the James Trafford deal
It emerged earlier this month that Leeds had entered advanced talks with Manchester City over a deal for the 23-year-old goalkeeper.
The Whites have already reached a broad agreement on personal terms with James Trafford, who has also given the green light to a move to Elland Road.
Negotiations between the two clubs have progressed well, with Leeds expected to pay an initial £40m, plus a further £5m in performance-related add-ons.
While the final details still need to be ironed out before the transfer is officially completed, there is growing speculation that Trafford could undergo his medical within the next few days.
However, Graham Smyth has insisted that the two clubs are still in talks to finalise the details of the deal that would see the goalkeeper move to Elland Road.
He indicated that there is still no agreement in place for Trafford to travel for a medical with Leeds this summer.
The Whites are confident of securing the agreement soon. However, they are keen to remain patient and finalise every key detail of a club-record deal.
James Trafford situation remains as was.
And in injury news, DCL has been back in team training since Tuesday.#lufc
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) July 31, 2026
Leeds are in the market for one more goalkeeper after Trafford
Signing James Trafford would be a real statement of ambition from Leeds United, with the England international expected to make the number one shirt his own for the foreseeable future.
But his arrival is unlikely to mark the end of Leeds’ business in the goalkeeping department. Lucas Perri is closing in on a move to Torino, meaning Daniel Farke will still need another goalkeeper before the transfer window shuts.
Leeds were already looking to strengthen between the posts following Karl Darlow’s departure, and Perri’s expected exit has made the need for two new goalkeepers even more pressing.
Trafford is set to arrive as the club’s undisputed first choice, but Leeds also need an experienced deputy. Alex Cairns is regarded as a dependable third-choice option, so the Whites are expected to bring in another senior goalkeeper to provide genuine competition and reliable cover over the course of the season.
Yer can buy an ‘ouse quicker than this deal.
Word was you had all your ideas in order well before the last season was over so that you could get a good pre-season going with everyone.
Hells bells, you are either going to buy him or not. Get on with it for goodness sake before this season is over.
Same every window, take forever till you lose them, two signings so far and one of them was free?
Wow. Are Leeds interested in signing James Trafford? I am surprised nobody has mentioned that previously!!! Bewyond a joke now – either he or the Citizens are holding Leeds to ransom for something. Either give it or move on – we are going to get to the January window with Alex Cairns in goal and Leeds “now very close to signing Trafford.”