Leeds United ‘to sign’ James Trafford for £40m plus add-ons | OneFootball

Leeds United are closing on a club-record move for James Trafford after the goalkeeper completed his medical, with a £40m plus add-ons agreement in place with Manchester City, according to The Athletic.

The 23-year-old is set to become Leeds’ third arrival of the summer. The fee would eclipse the £35.5m paid for Georginio Rutter in January 2023 and make him the fourth-most expensive goalkeeper in history.

Securing a clear number one was a priority at Elland Road. Karl Darlow’s new deal contained no first-team guarantees and he has joined Manchester United, while Illan Meslier has left for Arsenal.

Lucas Perri had been first choice until a knock, with Alex Cairns starting pre-season against Sunderland and Liverpool. Perri is believed to be closing on a season-long loan to Torino.

Trafford returned to City from Burnley in a £30m move last summer with plans to be their new number one. The signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma saw the England international drop to number two, and he made 17 appearances across all competitions, mostly in domestic cups. He was in goal for the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals, both of which were won.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk

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