Leeds are in talks with Manchester City over the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford, with the England international understood to favour a move to Elland Road.
Leeds are in the market for a new first-choice goalkeeper after Karl Darlow left the club on a free transfer to join Manchester United.
Trafford, 23, returned to Manchester City from Burnley last summer after progressing through the club’s academy.
He expected to become City’s first-choice goalkeeper but instead spent most of the 2025-26 season as Gianluigi Donnarumma’s understudy following the Italian’s arrival on deadline day.
Speaking in February, Trafford admitted the role was “not what I expected” and said he had tried to avoid finding himself in that position.
Newcastle remained interested in the goalkeeper after attempting to sign him last summer, but have also explored alternative options, including Parma’s Zion Suzuki and Brighton’s Carl Rushworth.
The Magpies have already signed Ewen Jaouen from Reims, while current first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope could leave if another senior shot-stopper arrives, although the latest reports suggest interest has cooled.
Leeds still have Lucas Perri, who joined from Lyon last summer, and Alex Cairns on their books, but are keen to strengthen between the posts ahead of the new season.
Trafford made 17 appearances for City during the 2025-26 campaign, featuring throughout both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup as Pep Guardiola’s side lifted both trophies.
Before returning to the Etihad Stadium, Trafford established himself as Burnley’s first-choice goalkeeper over two seasons, playing a key role in Scott Parker’s side winning promotion to the Premier League after conceding just 16 goals in 46 Championship matches during the 2024-25 season.
He made his senior England debut in March, earned a second cap later that month and was included in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.
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