Leeds United made Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford their priority target early in the summer and are now stepping up efforts to complete the deal in the coming days.
Reports last week revealed that the Whites had entered advanced talks with Manchester City over a move for the England international as they look to strengthen Daniel Farke’s squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
Leeds assessed several goalkeepers before the transfer window opened, but Trafford quickly emerged as the club’s preferred option. Since then, the recruitment team have focused their efforts on bringing the 23-year-old to Elland Road.
Although Trafford has attracted interest from several other clubs, Leeds are increasingly confident they are in pole position to secure his signature before the window closes.
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Graham Smyth shares the latest on James Trafford
Leeds United have been locked in advanced talks with both Manchester City and James Trafford’s representatives as they look to bring the highly-rated goalkeeper to Elland Road.
Newcastle United were also in the race for the England international, but Leeds now appear to be in pole position to secure his signature. Trafford is understood to be keen on the move and has already agreed personal terms ahead of a proposed switch this summer.
The Whites are prepared to make the 23-year-old the highest-paid player at the club to get the deal over the line, underlining just how highly they rate him.
Journalist Graham Smyth has now provided the latest update on where negotiations stand as Leeds continue to work towards completing the transfer.
The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist confirmed that Leeds are progressing in talks with Manchester City for the goalkeeper’s signature.
However, the deal is not done yet, and nothing is imminent despite suggestions that Leeds are on the verge of signing Trafford.
Any deal would smash Leeds’ transfer record as Trafford is likely to cost more than £40m.
Leeds United’s talks with Man City progressing for James Trafford. Still not there quite yet.
The private jet repositioning at LBA was nothing to do with Leeds, as most gathered.
Carlos Espi (Levante) is on the list of strikers they like but no bid/move imminent. #lufc
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) July 27, 2026
Leeds would still need one more goalkeeper
Signing James Trafford would represent a major coup for Leeds United, with the England international expected to become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for the foreseeable future.
But his arrival is unlikely to be the end of Leeds’ business between the posts. Lucas Perri is closing in on a move to Torino, meaning Daniel Farke will still need to recruit another goalkeeper before the transfer window shuts.
Karl Darlow’s exit had already left Leeds needing reinforcements in that position, and Perri’s anticipated departure only strengthens the case for signing two goalkeepers this summer.
While Trafford is set to take over as the undisputed number one, the Whites also need an experienced deputy. Alex Cairns is regarded as a dependable third-choice option, so Leeds are expected to target another senior goalkeeper capable of providing reliable cover and genuine competition over the course of the season.
