Leeds United are pushing to finalize a deal for James Trafford after making the goalkeeper their primary target early in the summer transfer window.

​The Whites stepped up their pursuit last week by entering advanced talks with Manchester City for the England international. Daniel Farke is eager to bolster his squad ahead of the upcoming Premier League season, and the 23-year-old shot-stopper quickly rose to the top of Leeds’ shortlist.

​Despite interest from competing clubs, confidence is high at Elland Road that a deal will be struck shortly.

​Graham Smyth Dismisses Deal Breakdown Claims

​Reports last week confirmed that Leeds had made major strides toward signing Trafford. Personal terms are broadly agreed upon, and the player has given his approval to the move.

​On the club-to-club front, Leeds and Manchester City have been ironing out a transfer structured around an initial £40 million fee, alongside £5 million in potential add-ons.

​Because a formal announcement has yet to materialize, rumors began circulating that negotiations had fallen apart. However, journalist Graham Smyth has cleared up the situation, confirming that talks remain active and on course. High-profile transfers naturally take time to cross the finish line due to complex legal and financial details.

​If completed as expected, Trafford will become the most expensive signing in Leeds United history.

​Farke Still Needs Additional Goalkeeping Cover

​While Trafford is set to arrive as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, Leeds are still in the market for further reinforcements between the posts.

​With Lucas Perri closing in on a transfer to Torino and Karl Darlow already departed, Farke’s options are thin. Alex Cairns is penciled in as a third-choice option, meaning the recruitment team must source a dependable second-choice keeper before the transfer window closes.

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