Leeds Close In on Club-Record Deal for Manchester City Goalkeeper James Trafford

Leeds United are closing in on a club-record deal to sign goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City, with the transfer understood to be worth at least £40m plus add-ons, a record fee for an English goalkeeper.

The move would eclipse Leeds' previous record signing, Georginio Rutter, who joined from Hoffenheim for around £35.5m in January 2023. Trafford, 23, made 17 appearances for City last season, keeping eight clean sheets, and represents an England international option between the posts for Daniel Farke's side.

Finding a new number one has been a priority for Leeds this summer following Karl Darlow's exit and an inconsistent debut season from Lucas Perri, who was dropped by Farke last term. Perri could yet leave the club amid interest from Torino, though Leeds are reluctant to let him go until Trafford's arrival is finalised.

The fee underlines the scale of investment Leeds are prepared to make as they look to re-establish themselves in the Premier League, with the Trafford deal set to headline their summer business alongside the free signing of Harry Wilson from Fulham.

Playdash will be watching how the Trafford deal and Leeds' summer rebuild shape their odds heading into the new Premier League season.