Leeds United are closing in on their third signing of the summer after reaching an agreement with Manchester City for James Trafford.
The two clubs have agreed a deal in principle that will see the England international complete his move to Elland Road in the coming days, with only the final formalities remaining.
Leeds are set to pay a club-record £40m, plus a further £5m in performance-related add-ons, for the 23-year-old goalkeeper, who has already agreed personal terms.
However, Trafford is unlikely to be the last new arrival before the transfer window closes. The Whites are continuing to work on several targets and are expected to strengthen in several positions as they prepare for the new Premier League season.
Read More: Leeds on brink of deal as player favours Elland Road move over European giants
Leeds United firm up plans after James Trafford deal
Leeds have already signed Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic, and are progressing towards making Trafford their third signing of the summer.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper is set to sign a contract worth £130,000 per week once Manchester City and Leeds finalise the details of a deal worth an initial £40m, with a further £5m in add-ons and a sell-on clause included.
According to the Daily Mail, Leeds already know what they want to do once Trafford’s arrival is finalised in the coming days.
The Whites are still in the market for an attacking midfielder, and the club are waiting for Julian Brandt’s answer after making a lucrative offer.
Leeds also want to bring in a left-back cover as the club looked vulnerable when Gabriel Gudmundsson was not fit to play last season.
The club are also keen to bring in a striker, and Leeds are interested in signing Levante forward Carlos Espi, who has a £21m release clause in his contract.
Is Shea Charles still a possibility for Leeds?
Leeds United have no intention of matching Southampton’s £30m valuation of Shea Charles and remain firm in their stance that they will not overpay for the midfielder this summer.
That does not mean they have walked away from the deal. The Whites are happy to bide their time, believing the dynamics of the transfer could shift as the window progresses, especially after Charles made it clear he wants to leave St Mary’s.
Southampton also have a decision to make. With the midfielder entering the final year of his contract, this represents their best opportunity to command a sizeable transfer fee. If no club is willing to meet their asking price, they may eventually have little choice but to lower their demands.
Charles is believed to have his heart set on a move to Elland Road, and Leeds are hopeful his desire to leave will increase the pressure on Southampton as the transfer deadline draws closer.
