NafisaDaniel Farke headed to the United States for Leeds United’s pre-season tour knowing further reinforcements are still needed before the Premier League campaign gets underway.
The Whites have already strengthened with the arrivals of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic, but the club’s recruitment team has continued working behind the scenes to secure one of the most important signings of the summer.
A new first-choice goalkeeper has been identified as a priority, and after weeks of speculation, fresh developments suggest Leeds have taken a significant step towards landing one of England’s brightest young talents.
Alex Crook reveals Trafford has chosen Leeds as next destination
TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has revealed that James Trafford is now expected to make Elland Road his next destination after deciding Leeds United is the right move for his career.
The England international has been heavily linked with several Premier League clubs throughout the summer, but Leeds have emerged as the clear frontrunners after Newcastle United cooled their interest and pursued alternative goalkeeping targets.
According to the latest reports, Leeds have already made major progress in negotiations with Trafford’s representatives, with the goalkeeper now expected to sign a lucrative long-term contract once an agreement is reached with Manchester City.
Daniel Farke has made signing an elite goalkeeper one of his biggest priorities ahead of the new season, and Trafford has always been viewed as the club’s first-choice option.
Manchester City are still expected to demand a club-record fee of around €46.8 million (£40m) before sanctioning the transfer, although negotiations between the two clubs are continuing as Leeds push to reach a final agreement.
Major statement signing for Leeds
Landing Trafford would represent one of the biggest statements of the 49ers’ ownership since taking control of Leeds United.
At just 23 years old, Trafford is widely regarded as one of the finest young goalkeepers in English football and has already established himself as a full England international. His performances over the last year have only strengthened the belief that he will eventually become England’s long-term number one.
For Leeds, this would not simply be a signing for the present but an investment for the future.
The Whites have spent several seasons searching for stability between the posts, and Trafford offers exactly that. His composure, distribution and shot-stopping ability make him an ideal fit for Daniel Farke’s style of football, while his age means he could remain the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for many years.
With personal terms now understood to be progressing smoothly and Trafford reportedly choosing Elland Road ahead of other opportunities, attention now turns to the final negotiations with Manchester City.
Should Leeds complete the deal, it would smash the club’s previous transfer record and hand Farke one of the biggest signings in the club’s recent history as preparations for their Premier League return gather pace.
Nafisa
