Leeds United have a goalkeeping solution to find amid Manchester United’s interest in signing Karl Darlow on a free transfer in the summer window.
The Whites are in talks with Darlow over a new deal. However, there is no agreement, and Manchester United are keen to sign him on a free transfer.
With the Welshman’s future on the line, Leeds could be forced to sign a new goalkeeper this summer even if they were considering an alternative plan ahead of the window.
Newcastle United’s Nick Pope is a target for the Whites. However, the Magpies’ decision to sign Ewen Jaouen has opened the door for Leeds to pursue another priority option this summer.
Read More: Manchester United push to sign Karl Darlow on a free transfer
Leeds have a real chance to sign James Trafford
James Trafford will leave Manchester City this summer as he is unlikely to usurp Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad any time soon.
Newcastle United have been interested in signing him, but Jaouen’s arrival has complicated matters for the Magpies in the upcoming transfer window.
They will have to sell Pope to sign another goalkeeper, and it is unclear whether Trafford would want to join a club where it is not certain that he is going to be number 1.
Leeds have been long-term admirers of Trafford, and several reports suggest that he remains the priority goalkeeping target for Daniel Farke this summer.
With Newcastle undecided and Darlow potentially on his way to Old Trafford, Leeds have a real chance to sign the Manchester City goalkeeper in the upcoming transfer window.
Trafford is with the England team for the World Cup, but would want his future sorted out before he is read to return for pre-season.
However, it remains to be seen whether Leeds are prepared to pay more than £30m for a goalkeeper this summer.
He will be a major upgrade
Leeds are not expecting to overhaul their squad this summer, but are only looking to bring in upgrades who are going to be ‘difference-makers’ next season.
Signing Trafford would be a major statement of intent as he is one of the most talented young goalkeepers in England and has a big future ahead of him.
Leeds need more certainty and a number 1 who is going to inspire confidence in the defence, if Darlow ends up leaving Elland Road this summer.
Lucas Perri has shown that he cannot be the goalkeeper, and there is a reason Newcastle are prepared to sell Nick Pope this summer.
The Manchester City man can sort out Leeds’ goalkeeping issue for years to come and would be a good investment even if his price seems high at the moment.
