Leeds United are closing in on a deal to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, with the England international understood to have indicated that he wants to move to Elland Road.
Daniel Farke has made the signing of a new goalkeeper a priority following major changes in the position this summer.
Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs reports that negotiations between Leeds and Manchester City are now moving quickly, with the two clubs also discussing the inclusion of a release clause.
“Exclusive: Leeds United closing in on deal for James Trafford. Player has indicated he wants to join,” Jacobs wrote on X.
“Can also reveal the parties are discussing a release clause within fast-moving negotiations.”
Newcastle United have also been linked with Trafford, but Jacobs says the Magpies have not held any recent talks or submitted an offer.
Their last discussions involving the goalkeeper reportedly came when Manchester City explored the possibility of signing Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Aston Villa have also shown an interest this summer, although they now expect Emiliano Martinez to remain at Villa Park.
Trafford returned to Manchester City from Burnley last summer after the Premier League side activated a £27m buy-back clause.
The 23-year-old made 17 appearances in all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign, keeping eight clean sheets and helping City win the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
He made four Premier League appearances but found regular opportunities limited following Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.
Thomas Tuchel also selected Trafford in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, although he did not feature during the tournament.
Leeds’ goalkeeping woes
Leeds need a new goalkeeper after Karl Darlow joined Manchester United and Illan Meslier completed a move to Arsenal, with both players leaving on free transfers.
Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns are the only senior goalkeepers currently on Leeds’ books.
Perri started last season as Farke’s first choice but lost his place following the 4-3 defeat at Newcastle in January. Darlow replaced him for the remainder of the Premier League campaign.
Torino have shown interest in Perri, although Leeds are reluctant to allow the Brazilian to leave before bringing in another goalkeeper.
Trafford would arrive with 73 Burnley appearances behind him, as well as previous loan spells with Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers.
Leeds have already signed defender Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo for £34m and added former Fulham winger Harry Wilson on a free transfer.
A successful move for Trafford would now settle one of the club’s most pressing pieces of summer business.
READ NEXT: Which Premier League teams have the hardest opening fixtures of the 2026/27 season?
