Leeds United identified James Trafford as their top goalkeeping target at the beginning of the summer and are now working to complete the deal as quickly as possible.
The Whites intensified their pursuit last week by entering advanced negotiations with Manchester City, as Daniel Farke looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Leeds assessed several goalkeepers before deciding on their priority target, but Trafford soon emerged as the standout choice. Since then, the club’s recruitment team have devoted their attention to securing the England international’s signature.
Despite interest from several rival clubs, Leeds are growing increasingly confident of winning the race for the 23-year-old. With talks now at an advanced stage, there is optimism that the transfer will be finalised in the coming days.
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Newcastle United legend rues missing out on James Trafford
Trafford was a target for Newcastle United since last summer, and there was a real expectation that he would be joining the Magpies ahead of next season.
However, Leeds pushed hard and sold a move to Elland Road to the 23-year-old and his camp, and he decided to snub Newcastle in favour of a move to Yorkshire.
Newcastle goalkeeping legend Shay Given has insisted that he is not surprised to see Trafford being close to joining a club of Leeds’ size. However, he wished the goalkeeper had picked Newcastle.
He stressed that Leeds are getting a brilliant goalkeeper who is calm and composed between the sticks and will add real confidence to their defence.
“I’m not shocked to see James Trafford moving to a club like Leeds United,” Given was quoted as saying by the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“I believe he’s already a top goalkeeper. I just wish he was going to Newcastle United this summer because he’s brilliant, and he’s got a huge future ahead of him.
Leeds looking to sign one more goalkeeper after Trafford
Bringing in James Trafford would be a major statement from Leeds United, with the England international expected to establish himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for years to come.
However, his arrival is unlikely to be the end of Leeds’ business in that position. Lucas Perri is edging closer to a move to Torino, meaning Daniel Farke will still need to bring in another goalkeeper before the transfer window closes.
The Whites were already planning to strengthen their goalkeeping options after Karl Darlow’s departure, and Perri’s expected exit has only increased the need to recruit twice this summer.
While Trafford is set to become the undisputed number one at Elland Road, Leeds also need a reliable back-up. Alex Cairns is viewed as a dependable third-choice goalkeeper, so the club are expected to sign another experienced shot-stopper to provide quality cover and competition throughout the campaign.
