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Leeds United is reportedly nearing a deal to sign goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City. The transfer is valued at £40 million plus add-ons. Trafford is expected to become Leeds' third summer signing, following the arrivals of Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo and Harry Wilson as a free agent from Fulham.
Leeds has been in the market for a new goalkeeper since Karl Darlow, who finished last season as the number one, departed on a free transfer to Manchester United. Trafford will compete with Lukasz Perri, who lost his starting spot to Darlow, and Alex Cairns is also part of the squad.
Newcastle United was also among the contenders for Trafford's signature but subsequently withdrew their interest. The Magpies had previously attempted to sign the shot-stopper in 2024.
Trafford made 17 appearances last season, featuring in all Carabao Cup and FA Cup matches, with Manchester City winning both trophies.
The goalkeeper returned to the Citizens last year with the expectation of being the first-choice, but the acquisition of Gianluigi Donnarumma on the final day of the transfer window relegated him to the Italian's backup. In February, Trafford stated that being the number two was not what he had anticipated.
A product of Manchester City's academy, Trafford did not make an official first-team appearance during his initial spell at the club. He spent loan periods at Accrington Stanley and Bolton before signing with Burnley in 2023.
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