Leeds United transfers, 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, although the move is not yet complete. Club sources remain positive about sealing a record signing for the 23-year-old former Burnley player.

Trafford is on a FIFA mandated post World Cup holiday due to end after August 8. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Leeds showed this summer they can complete business during breaks when £34m recruit Tarik Muharemovic briefly flew in for his medical.

A new goalkeeper has been a priority, and Leeds are expected to add another for back-up once Trafford arrives, plus a centre forward and extra left-back cover. Spanish forward Carlos Espi, 21, who scored 13 in 27 for Levante last season, is admired but there has been no move. Leeds are likely to target younger profiles to compete with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and they are not pursuing Chelsea's Liam Delap.

Two bids remain on the table. Leeds told Southampton last week their offer for midfielder Shea Charles was their best and final, and there has been no indication the Championship club have accepted. An offer to free agent Julian Brandt is unchanged after his father, Jurgen, visited Thorp Arch, with the Brandts continuing to assess options.

On outgoings, Valencia's initial valuation of Largie Ramazani is well above Leeds' stance, yet a return to Mestalla after last season's loan remains possible if a compromise is found.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk