Leeds United now look increasingly likely to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer following a series of significant developments behind the scenes.
The club are currently in discussions with Karl Darlow over a new contract and are keen to keep the experienced Welshman at Elland Road for another season.
However, his future remains uncertain amid interest from Manchester United, who are reportedly considering him as an experienced deputy to Senne Lammens at Old Trafford.
As a result, Leeds may have little choice but to step up their search for a new goalkeeper in the transfer market. The concern for the Whites is that one of their preferred targets has emerged as the top option for one of their Premier League rivals.
Newcastle United rekindle interest in James Trafford
James Trafford is expected to leave Manchester City this summer after spending a season as Gianluigi Donnarumma’s understudy at the Etihad.
He is one of the priority targets for Leeds, who could be forced to sign a new number 1 this summer if Darlow indeed decides against signing a new contract.
However, Trafford may not make a final decision before the end of the World Cup, where he is part of England’s squad.
And according to The Athletic, Newcastle have rekindled their interest in signing the Manchester City goalkeeper in the upcoming transfer window.
The Magpies signed Ewen Jaouen from Reims last week, but they want to sign another goalkeeper to pave the way for Nick Pope to leave.
Trafford is the goalkeeper they wanted to sign last summer, and the club are back in the race to sign the Manchester City man this year too.
However, his decision to hold off on a decision before the end of the World Cup could be a major issue for Newcastle, who want to sort out their goalkeepers for next season as soon as possible.
Leeds must not miss out on him
Leeds are not planning a major squad rebuild this summer. Instead, the focus is on adding genuine quality and bringing in players who can make a tangible difference to the team next season.
A move for Trafford would certainly fit that approach. The young goalkeeper is widely regarded as one of England’s brightest talents in his position and would represent a significant statement of intent from the club.
If Karl Darlow does leave Elland Road, Leeds will need more than just cover between the sticks. They will need a reliable number one capable of bringing authority and confidence to the back line.
Lucas Perri has yet to convince that he can be that long-term solution, while there is a reason Newcastle appear willing to listen to offers for Nick Pope this summer.
Trafford, by contrast, has the potential to solve Leeds’ goalkeeping position for years to come. Although the transfer fee would be substantial, it could prove to be a worthwhile investment in a player who has the talent and profile to become a key figure at the club for the long term.
This is a none story. Even if Citeh wanted to sell Trafford which is highly doubtful we ain’t going to stump up 30 million for him.
It is not yet the time to ‘write off’ Lukas Perri … when he was signed, he was new to the club, and the country, and like so many others before him, perhaps needed time to adjust to his new environment. However that must not stop the search for a new GK, and if the possibility arises to sign James Trafford, or Noah Atobolu they would provide a new, class No1.