Leeds United are pushing hard to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, with the club in advanced talks over a permanent deal.
The 23-year-old is identified as Leeds’ primary goalkeeping target, with multiple reports confirming the club’s serious interest in securing a deal.
Trafford came through Manchester City’s academy before gaining senior experience on loan at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers in League One.
His performances in the lower leagues earned widespread praise for his composure, shot-stopping and confidence in possession before Burnley signed him permanently in 2023.
His first Premier League season at Turf Moor proved a difficult learning curve as Burnley were relegated, but Trafford responded in remarkable fashion.
Under Scott Parker, he produced one of the greatest goalkeeping campaigns the Championship has ever seen, keeping 29 clean sheets in 45 league matches while Burnley conceded just 16 goals.
That record equalled the English clean sheet record and helped the Clarets secure an immediate return to the Premier League at the end of that season.
His performances earned him a place in the Championship Team of the Year and the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
City quickly exercised their matching rights to bring Trafford back to the Etihad, but his opportunities became limited after Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived at the club.
Despite spending much of last season as City’s second-choice goalkeeper, Trafford still impressed when called upon, making 17 appearances and keeping eight clean sheets across all competitions.
The Athletic’s Leeds correspondent Beren Cross believes the club are taking “a hell of a swing” by pursuing Trafford, labelling the move “bold and ambitious” while hailing Trafford’s “outrageous” performances at Burnley.
Sky Sports, BBC Sport and talkSPORT have all independently confirmed Leeds’ advanced interest in the goalkeeper, lending significant credibility to reports of a deal being close.
City are understood to value Trafford at around £50 million after re-signing him last summer, which would make this one of the biggest deals in Leeds’ history.
Discussions have also included the possible inclusion of a release clause, illustrating City’s desire to protect the long-term value of one of their most promising academy graduates.
Reports indicate Trafford is keen on the move because it offers the regular Premier League football that has been difficult to find since returning to the Etihad.
Manager Daniel Farke wants a reliable long-term number one, and Trafford fits the profile perfectly given his age and proven ability at the highest levels.
He is comfortable playing out from the back, commands his penalty area well, and has already demonstrated the ability to handle the pressure of promotion battles and top-level football.
Signing Trafford would represent a major statement of intent from Leeds following their successful bid to secure Premier League survival.
Convincing one of England’s most promising young goalkeepers to choose Elland Road would underline the ambition driving the club forward this summer.
If Leeds complete this deal, they will be investing in a goalkeeper widely regarded as capable of becoming a top Premier League number one for many years to come.