Leeds United transfer latest: Trafford deal close, Delap not pursued, Brandt offer remains | OneFootball

Leeds United are close to finalising a £40m deal for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, though it is not yet complete. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, club figures are positive about completion.

Trafford is on a FIFA-mandated post-World Cup break, due to end after the eighth of August. Leeds set a precedent this summer when £34m signing Tarik Muharemovic briefly interrupted his holiday to complete a medical before resuming his break.

A goalkeeper was a summer priority and, once signed, Leeds expect to add another for back-up, plus a centre forward and extra left-back cover. Carlos Espi, 21, who scored 13 in 27 for Levante last season, is admired and on a shortlist but there has been no move.

Leeds are likely to target younger options to compete with Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the number nine role. They are not pursuing Chelsea's Liam Delap.

Two bids remain on the table. Leeds made a best and final offer to Southampton for midfielder Shea Charles last week, and the Championship club have not returned to accept it. He was among several players unused in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Paderborn.

An offer to free agent Julian Brandt also remains. His father has engaged a number of clubs, including Leeds, and visited Thorp Arch for talks, with the family continuing to weigh options.

On outgoings, Valencia's initial valuation of Largie Ramazani was well above Leeds' stance, yet a compromise to take the winger back to Mestalla after last season's loan remains possible.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk