Leeds United are on the verge of completing their third signing of the summer after reaching an agreement with Manchester City for James Trafford.
The two clubs have struck a verbal agreement that will see the England goalkeeper make the move to Elland Road in the coming days.
Leeds have agreed to pay a club-record £40m, with a further £5m in performance-related add-ons, for the 23-year-old, who has already agreed personal terms with the Whites.
Trafford is not expected to be the final arrival of the window. Leeds remain in the market for both a striker and an attacking midfielder, while their interest in Southampton midfielder Shea Charles also remains alive despite the current gap in valuation.
Read More: Leeds on brink of deal as player favours Elland Road move over European giants
Leeds United’s offer is the best one on top target’s table
Leeds have done an impressive job of persuading James Trafford to choose Elland Road despite interest from several more established Premier League clubs.
The England goalkeeper is set to become the highest-paid player at the club once the deal is completed, but Leeds are prepared to invest heavily in wages again if it helps them land another marquee signing.
Julian Brandt remains one of the club’s top priorities this summer, with the Whites continuing to push for the Germany international while they wait for him to make a final decision on his future.
Leeds are willing to wait for Brandt’s answer, and according to TeamTalk, their proposal for the attacking midfielder is the best offer on his table despite interest from clubs with European football.
The player has made it clear that he would prefer to join a Champions League club. However, Leeds have made a compelling offer to Brandt and provided a convincing argument for him to move to Elland Road.
Brandt would also feel at home at Elland Road, where Farke and most of his coaching staff are German speakers. Compatriot Anton Stach could also help him adapt to a new club and culture.
Leeds are confident that they will sign Julian Brandt
The 49ers have already taken significant steps in their pursuit of the former Borussia Dortmund playmaker.
Persuading Brandt’s father, who also represents him as his agent, to visit Elland Road is an encouraging development and reinforces the belief that Leeds have a genuine chance of pulling off the deal.
Over the last year, the Whites have consistently shown they can sell their long-term vision to players who might previously have overlooked a move to West Yorkshire.
The signings of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Harry Wilson and Anton Stach are clear examples of that growing appeal, with all three choosing Leeds despite interest from clubs with bigger reputations.
Trafford’s decision to join the club only strengthens that message, highlighting how attractive Leeds’ project has become to high-profile players.
There is still plenty to do before Brandt’s signature is secured, as he would still prefer to play Champions League football. But given how discussions have progressed, a move for the Germany international on a free transfer no longer feels like a long shot.
What is the major update here?
As far as I am can read it’s a re-hash of a few stories but in one document rather than half a dozen.